Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on all parties fuelling the ongoing crisis in Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit to sheath their sword; for peace and tranquility to return to the citadel of learning.
The State Legislature made the call through its Committee on Education, during stakeholders meeting at the Assembly Complex yesterday. The Committee aim of resolving the pending concerns raised, between the academic staff union, and Leadership of the Institution at Afaha Nsit was in focus.
Addressing select members of Assembly Press Corps shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Godwin Ekpo said the Committee has mandated all parties to embrace peace for normalcy to return to the College of Education, Afaha Nsit.
“We as a Committee have told them the need for the matter to be resolved and they have all agreed to tow the path of peace.
“After the Committee’s engagement with the Provost, the Management Staff and other parties, have given us assurances that before the next adjourned date, the matter shall be resolved amicably” Hon. Ekpo explained.
Hon. Ekpo, who is member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency gave the assurances that on or before the next meeting day, the suspended Lecturers shall be restored, while all other pending issues shall be addressed, accordingly.
” I want to assure us that the lecturers that were suspended shall be restored and every other gray area shall be ironed out”, he assured.
Speaking on the planned protest at the College gate by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against Tuesday, 9th August, 2022, Hon. Ekpo said with the latest development, the proposed protest should be suspended.
“The Ingeria Labour Congress (NLC) also has given the assurance that the earlier planned proposed protest at the College entrance for Tuesday, has been suspended, thanks to the new development” he disclosed.
He added that all parties have all embraced peace, for the sake of the students, in consonance with the visionary policy of Governor Emmanuel in transforming Akwa Ibom State Educational Sector.
Hon. Ekpo hinted that relevant stakeholders including Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien shall be present at the Assembly Complex on 16th August, 2022 for resolution of pending crisis in the Institution.
Throwing more lights on the Committee’s position on the absence of the Commissioner for Education and Head of Akwa Ibom State Civil service at the meeting, he said; “I believe they will not look down on the House of Assembly on the new date, I don’t want to say they’ve snubbed the House of Assembly because it their first mistake.
“If on the 16th of August, 2022, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education and Head of Civil Service fail to report before the Committee, then the Committee shall make a pronouncement to that effect.
Speaking earlier, the Provost of the Institution located in Afaha Nsit, Dr. Daniel Udo, the Chairman, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union ( COEASU), Dr. Godwin Akpan, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Sunny James, and Commissioner for Labour and Manpower and other invited stakeholders took turns in giving insight to their areas of concerns.
Some of the Issues raised by the Chairman of COEASU bordered on welfare of members, as well as other issues distinctively not related to the office of the Provost, College of Education, Afaha Nsit as claimed.
