The ongoing strike by lecturers of the Akwa Ibom State University will soon be suspended as negotiations are ongoing to resolve all contending issues and meeting the demand of the unions.
The lecturers have been on strike over irregular payment of their salary, payment of 10 months 25 months salary arrears, increase in subvention and regular payment of full salary.
The state government has set up a committee to negotiate with the lecturers with the promise of paying all their entitlements and benefits.
Idongesit Etiebet, commissioner for education gave the assurance when some student leaders visited her in her office in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking on the negative consequences of the strike, Etiebet seized the opportunity to appeal to the lecturers to return for lectures.
She disclosed that the Education Panel set up by the State government for dialogue was looking into the demands and agitations, assuring that all compelling issues would soon be addressed.
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She lauded the students for being worthy partners of Governor Udom Emmanuel administration in maintaining peace and order in their respective institutions and domains, urging them to continue ensuring that peace is sustained in their environments.
Reacting to the killing of Iniubong Umoren, the commissioner who earlier visited the family of the deceased graduate expressed sadness over the painful loss of a young and brilliant lady.
While asserting that the life of every citizen of the State is paramount to the state government, the commissioner assured that the government would ensure that justice is served.
She commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed God to grant her soul peaceful rest while calling for a minute silence in her honour.
Earlier, the special assistant to the governor on Student Matters, Clifford Akwaowo said the visit was to intimate the commissioner of matters that arose from the meeting he held with a cross-section of the student leaders in the State.
He appreciated the State government for identifying with the family of the late Iniubong Umoren, an indigene of Oruk Anam, who recently wrapped up her studies at the University of Uyo, awaiting her Youth Service programme, calling for the culprit of the nefarious act to be brought to book.
Akwaowo also expressed concern over the AKSU strike which has shut down academic activities on the campus and called for the resolution of all pending issues to enable students to go back to school.
Reports were presented by representatives of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), NANS, G31, Medical Students Association, Aks Law Students Association, amongst others.
Present at the event were the permanent secretary, Rose Bassey, director, State Education Quality Assurance Services, Roseline Mfon and the director, Secondary and Higher Education represented by Selong Selong.
