Federal Polytechnic Bayelsa Resumes Academic Activities

The Federal Polytechnic Bayelsa (Ekowe) has resumed its academic sessions after being closed for several months due to ongoing labour disputes.

This resumption came about following the intervention of education minister Tunji Alausa, with students and staff observed moving around the main campus as the liaison office reopened.

The minister had called a meeting on September 29 with the parties involved in the industrial dispute that had caused the polytechnic, situated along the River Nun in Bayelsa, to remain closed since July 11.

Ebifiye Etebu, who serves as the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union at the polytechnic, announced on Tuesday that work recommenced on Monday in adherence to the minister’s order.

“Following the minister’s mediation, we got back to work on Monday, and normal operations have resumed on campus and at the liaison office in Yenagoa,” Etebu stated.

James Ebilade, a student from the Electrical Engineering Department, expressed gratitude to the minister for facilitating a resolution that enabled the school’s reopening.

“The minister’s quick mediation and the subsequent resumption are truly commendable. We students felt a wave of relief upon hearing the news of our return. Our resumption is now a reality, as both academic and non-academic staff members are present,” he remarked.

The governing council of the polytechnic held an emergency meeting over the weekend prior to Monday’s resumption and created a panel to look into allegations against the rector, Lukman Agbabiaka.

The unions, which include the Non-Academic Staff Union, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics at the institution, had ceased their operations, accusing the rector of overreaching and violating the Polytechnic Act.

The investigative panel has been tasked with submitting its findings within three weeks, as directed by the minister.

Workers had locked down the institution, claiming the rector violated the Polytechnic Act by taking the three unions to court over labour issues, whereas the governing council is legally obligated under the Act to manage labour-related concerns.

When approached for a response regarding the current situation, Nimizuo Pereseigha, the institution’s spokesperson, chose not to comment.