By Atoyebi Nike
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has brokered peace in the labour dispute that forced the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Bayelsa State, to remain closed since July 11.
At a mediation meeting in Abuja on September 29, attended by the institution’s Governing Council, management, and leaders of the three staff unions NASU, SSANIP, and ASUP the minister directed that academic activities resume on October 6.
Dr Alausa also instructed the Governing Council to set up a fresh investigative panel into allegations against the Rector, Dr Agbabiaka Lukman, with a three-week deadline to submit its report.
The dispute escalated after the Rector took staff unions to court over labour issues, a move workers argued contravened the Polytechnic Act, which vests such powers in the Governing Council. Union leaders had petitioned the minister, insisting only Lukman’s suspension pending investigation would restore harmony.
The conflict had shut down the polytechnic located along the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, stalling academic activities for months.
When contacted, the institution’s spokesperson, Mr Nimizuo Pereseigha, declined to comment.
