NASU Strike Halts Activities at Federal Polytechnic Ekowe Over Suspended Dues Deduction

NASU Strike Halts Activities at Federal Polytechnic Ekowe Over Suspended Dues Deduction

The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, has commenced an indefinite strike, effectively paralyzing non-academic activities across the institution. The strike follows the suspension of check-off dues deduction by the institution’s rector, Dr. Agbabiaka Adegoke, for the period spanning January to March 2025.

Union leaders, in a show of solidarity, stormed the campus to ensure compliance with the strike directive and prevent members from resuming their duties. A peaceful protest was also staged to reinforce the union’s position and discourage members from yielding to the management’s influence.

The strike has escalated tensions between NASU and the polytechnic’s administration. The union maintains that the deduction of check-off dues is vital for sustaining its operations and funding ongoing union activities.

While NASU has insisted that all negotiations take place at the branch level, the institution’s management is pushing for dialogue with the national body based on an unsigned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) brokered at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.

Despite previous interventions from the ministry, Dr. Adegoke has reportedly remained adamant in upholding the suspension of the dues deductions.

Union members have continued to mobilize on campus, blocking access to services and reinforcing their resolve against what they describe as unfair labour practices by the management.

In a letter dated February 6, 2025, NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peter Adeyemi, urged the institution to resume check-off deductions immediately to avert legal implications.

Branch chairman, Comrade Etebu Ebiyife, accused the rector of misappropriating union dues for security and labour services, which he said were already outsourced by the Federal Government since 2012.

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He added, “The conflict between NASU and the management of the Federal Polytechnic of Ekowe underscored broader issues related to labour rights, management transparency and the importance of adherence to negotiated agreements.”

Ebiyife emphasized the need for constructive engagement to resolve the crisis and prevent long-term disruptions at the institution. According to him, the outcome of the strike could shape future relations between staff unions and academic institutions in Nigeria.