CHRAN resolves labour crisis at A’Ibom College of Education

Ini Billie, Uyo

The labour crisis that would have crippled academic activities in Akwa Ibom College of Education has been resolved.

The crisis which involved the management of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) was resolved by the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN).

It was gathered that the management of the College

withheld the check-off dues of the union for falling to submit their constitutions to the College management as directed, leading to a face off between the management and the union.

This led to the intervention of

civil society organisation, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) and the release of the check-off dues by the management to COEASU.

Speaking about the intervention and resolution of the crisis on Thursday in Uyo, Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong said the centre was brought into the dispute through a letter it received from the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade (Elder) Sunny James on March 11, 2025.

According to Isong, the NLC letter stated the bone of contention as non-remittance of COEASU check- off dues by the College management, adding that CHRAN waded into the matter by reaching out to the College Management.

“On its part, the College management stated the reason for withholding the check-off dues, noting that it requested the three unions operating within the College to submit their constitutions to the College management.

“It stated that while the other two unions submitted their constitutions, COEASU leadership refused to comply, leading to the withholding of its check-off dues by the College management.

“CHRAN appealed to the College management to release the check-off dues to the COEASU despite of the union leadership’s non-compliance with the College management’s request.

“The College management assured the CHRAN that steps will be taken to ensure the release of the check-off dues to the COEASU.

“CHRAN is pleased that the College management has kept to its promise by directing the release of the check-off dues to COEASU,” he stated.

The Director commended the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for working to ensure the actualisation of a legislation to upgrade the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education.

He called on Governor Umo Eno to assent to the Bill after it is passed into law by the House, and urged all stakeholders to close ranks and work together to bring forth the State University of Education.