There is a total power outage in Akwa Ibom State, even as public institutions, banks, and other government facilities have been shut down in total compliance with the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and affiliate unions.
In the Uyo metropolis, public schools, the state, and the federal secretariat along Abak Road were closed as directed by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
At the banking layout on Udo Udoma Avenue, all the banks in the banking zone had completely shut their gates, while customers were frustrated and could not gain access to the banking halls for transactions.
All public primary and secondary schools were locked, and their teachers did not show up for work at all.
Students were found returning home in various streets within the Uyo metropolis.
The gates of the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Osurua were closed, and students were barred from gaining entry.
Meanwhile, students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic who were scheduled to commence their first semester examinations on Monday were disappointed as the school gate was closed against them and the date for the commencement of such examinations was reviewed.
Students affected by the strike are the Higher National Diploma (HND) of the recently unbundled Mass Communications Department, now known as Journalism and Media Studies (JJMS), and Computer Science students who were scheduled to write their examinations today.
In a statement issued by the Head of Media of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Edidiong Williams, and made available to newsmen on Monday, the institution has suspended all examinations and other academic activities to comply with the indefinite strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The statement reads in parts: “Following the failure of the leadership of the National Assembly and the Federal Government to intervene in the indefinite strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and her sister body, Trade, all academic activities in the institution have been suspended.
“The indefinite strike is a result of the disagreement between the bodies on a new national minimum wage and electricity tariff-related issues.
“All examinations scheduled for the Unbundled Mass Communication and Computer Science Departments are also placed on hold pending the outcome of the strike,” he said.
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