Plateau Tertiary Institutions Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Joint Union of Plateau State-owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI) has embarked on indefinite strike following the expiration of the seven- day notice it served the state government to pay all outstanding and withheld salaries of staff.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Paul Dakol and Secretary, Solomon Ayum, the union explained that during the strike all academic and administrative activities would be suspended until demands of the unions are met.

It warned that, “No staff shall receive any directive from any quarter except from JUPTI.”

Plateau state Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, one of the state-owned tertiary institutions, when visited, was deserted even as the classrooms and main gate were locked with hundreds of students roaming about and grumbling outside the campus.

One of the students who spoke with journalists on the condition of anonymity urged government to meet the unions’ demands in order to enable students continue with their studies.

The union had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to pay all outstanding and withheld salaries on or before August 31, 2018, but government did not respond until the expiration.