From Nweke Nweke, Onitsha
The Provost, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Dr. Ego Uzoezie has justified the reason the college defied the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COASU, to resume academic activities in the school.
Dr. Uzoezie said the school decided to commence academic activities because of the difference in the demands between the school and COASU, adding that the presence of Governor Willie Obiano in the school also contributed to the resumption of the school.
She said the strike action was merely suspended by the college and not called off completely, saying “we merely suspended the strike because of the intervention and promise of Governor Willie Obiano who is very passionate about education. He came and promised to help in our demands and because we are not at the same pedestal with the national level, we have different demands which is boiled down to workers’ welfare packages”
She said that at the national level of COASU, the major cause of the lingering crisis has been hinged on rationalizing administration while at the Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe they are agitating for improved welfare packages.
The Provost however disclosed that the COASU, in the school only agreed to give Governor Obiano chance to know if he could deliver on his promises, adding that the workers made it clear to the Governor that at the expiration of the one month grace given to him and nothing is done, the strike shall continue.
Dr. Uzoezie lamented that the strike action had hindered the velocity of academic activities in the school and said the school which was supposed to be doing their second semester has been forced back to just start examination of the first semester.
