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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The two-week warning strike declared by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Federal College of Education (FCE), Eha-Amufu, Enugu State Chapter, appeared to suffer a setback at the weekend as many academic staff members participated in the institution’s 32nd matriculation ceremony.
COEASU had announced the industrial action following an emergency congress held on June 2, 2026, citing unresolved grievances with the college management led by the provost, Prof. Pauline Ikwuegbu.
The strike directive was contained in a letter jointly signed by the union’s chairman, Nathaniel Chidi Agbo, and secretary, Amadi Nwachukwu.
Some lecturers, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, argued that the timing of the strike was inappropriate, particularly as the provost is expected to complete her tenure within the next few weeks.
One of them described the industrial action as unnecessary and unlikely to achieve its intended objectives, adding that many of them do not believe it is the best approach to address the matter.
He explained that some of the issues raised by the union included alleged non-payment of promotion arrears, salary-related concerns affecting some staff members, and disagreements surrounding the appointment and tenure of the deputy provost.
According to him, some of the salary-related challenges were linked to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) rather than the college management, while the issue concerning the Deputy Provost had already been addressed by the Governing Council.
He maintained that extending the tenure of the Deputy Provost, Dr Sam Odo, was consistent with established practice in the institution, noting that previous occupants of the office had served similar terms.
In a chat with our reporter after the matriculation ceremony of the college, which marked the official commencement of the dual mandate programme in the institution, 2025/2026 academic session, the provost, Prof. Ikwuegbu, said she remained committed to dialogue and was not disturbed by the industrial action.
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She noted that throughout her eight-year tenure, her administration had maintained cordial relations with labour unions and consistently operated an open-door policy for addressing staff welfare issues.
According to her, the college has recorded significant progress in staff development, promotions, salary administration, staff conversions, and access to TETFund-sponsored academic programmes.
“As a member of COEASU myself, I understand the importance of organised labour and staff welfare. Since assuming office in 2018, I have worked diligently to improve the welfare of staff and students and to transform the institution into one of the best in the country and beyond.
“It is also important to note that most of the issues raised by COEASU were either IPPIS or GIFMIS-related matters, which the college management has written severally and has been following up, yet COEASU doesn’t want to understand. By implication, all their demands have been addressed, but their interest remains to pull the college down for their individual selfish interests,” she said.
The provost said her administration has a lot for the college that should be appreciated, including the construction of more than 15 new structures, the completion of abandoned projects, renovation of existing facilities, increased opportunities for academic staff to obtain doctoral degrees through TETFund interventions, commencement of degree programme in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and attracting the dual mandate programme of the federal government in the college, which gives the institution the autonomy to award degree certificates without affiliation with any university.
She bemoaned the action of the academic staff members of the College at the first-ever matriculation ceremony that marked the commencement of the dual mandate programme, saying that:
“It is appalling that after the pains and efforts the college management passed through to get the dual mandate programme approved and commence fully, COEASU still plotted to truncate the first matriculation that marked the official commencement of the programme in the college. This is what other Colleges of Education have struggled to achieve but couldn’t. But the academic staff in our College, instead of jubilating and thanking God for the feat, decided not to play their role during the matriculation. I believe they plan to run down the college but still expect to get their salaries at the end of the month.”
Prof Ikwuegbu expressed gratitude to staff, students, and stakeholders who had supported her administration over the years and reaffirmed her commitment to leaving the institution stronger than she met it.
She nevertheless urged aggrieved staff to embrace dialogue, stressing that “industrial disputes should always be handled in a manner that protects the interests of both staff and students. Dialogue remains the best pathway to sustainable solutions.”
