The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has successfully mediated a resolution to the labor dispute at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, allowing the institution to reopen on October 6, 2025. This decision follows a meeting held on September 29, where key stakeholders, including union representatives and the Polytechnic’s management, convened in Abuja.
The prolonged closure of the Polytechnic, which began on July 11, was due to disputes involving the Non-Academic Staff Union, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics. The unions had expressed concerns regarding the Rector, Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman, and accused him of violating the Polytechnic Act by taking the unions to court over labor issues instead of resolving them through the governing council.
During the meeting, the minister directed the governing council to establish a new panel to investigate the allegations against the Rector, with a report expected in three weeks. This decision aims to restore industrial harmony and address the concerns raised by the unions.
The resolution came after a petition was submitted to the minister, challenging the claim of insecurity that led to the suspension of a governing council meeting intended to address the labor dispute.
This development marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, as the institution prepares to welcome students back to campus.
