Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) at the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have commenced a seven-day warning strike to protest the administration’s lack of commitment to meeting their demands.

Rising from a congress meeting held at the institution’s TEFfund auditorium, the protesters marched to the Rector’s office, displaying placards and chanting solidarity songs. They called for the full implementation of their demands, which include the non-payment of a 38% balance of salary shortfall, non-payment of promotion arrears, and the forceful conversion of staff.

Inscriptions on the placards read: “SSANIP says no to unnecessary transfer of members,” “No to forceful conversion of staff,” “Pay us our 38% balance salary shortfall (2016-2018),” and “Pay us our correct salary placement arrears (2015-2018),” among other demands.

Addressing the protesters, Mr. Tamunosiki Daka, Chairman of SSANIP, Federal Polytechnic Ukana chapter, emphasized that the protest was not a confrontation but a demand for their welfare. He expressed disappointment in the management’s silence on the issues, including personnel salary shortfalls since 2015, despite frequent reminders.

The protest is significant, especially as the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, hails from Ukana, where the institution is located. The workers expressed their dissatisfaction with the management’s poor handling of their demands during the congress meeting.