The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has instructed its members nationwide to work only two days a week until the Federal Government addresses their demand for a 200% increase in salary.
COEASU National President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, announced the decision after an extraordinary meeting held on July 18, 2023. The move comes as members face difficulties reaching work due to the steep rise in petrol prices.
The removal of fuel subsidy two months ago caused a 250% increase in the price of petrol, leading to higher inflation rates and the impoverishment of the Nigerian people.
Dr. Olugbeko emphasized that workers, including college of education staff, endured hardships in the hope that the government would provide palliative measures. However, with petrol prices further rising to ₦‎650 per litre, members are now struggling to commute to work.
To mitigate the situation, COEASU has directed its members to work only two days per week. An emergency NEC meeting will be convened to decide the specific workdays.
The union is also demanding an urgent salary increase as the current structure has remained unchanged since 2010, while petrol prices have increased tenfold during that period. The lack of renegotiation and salary adjustments have caused considerable financial strain on the staff.
Dr. Olugbeko called on the federal government to take immediate action to avoid devastating effects on students’ academic calendar and teaching practice exercises, which could lead to prolonged semesters and delays in educational progress.
