By Onyegbula Kelechi, Write from Aba.
In a shocking and deeply concerning turn of events, the lecturers of Abia Polytechnic, one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions in the Southeast, have been left to suffer under the mismanagement and neglect of Governor Otti’s administration. What was once a beacon of hope for both students and educators alike has now become a symbol of the abysmal failure of leadership in Abia State.
For months, the hardworking lecturers at Abia Polytechnic have been denied their rightful salaries and allowances, with no explanation from the state government. This outrageous disregard for the welfare of our educators is a direct attack on the very foundation of education in Abia State. How can we expect our young minds to thrive in such an environment where their teachers are forced to live in extreme poverty?
One of the ranking lecturers who pleaded to be anonymous complained he has been on less than 100,000 naira salary having served for over 11 years while his colleagues in other polytechnics who served the same number of years are receiving remuneration of over 280,000 naira per month.
”I have taught for over 11 years as a lecturer I still earn less than 100,000 naira as monthly salary whereas my counterpart in other state polytechnic earn well over 280,000 a month. Whoever supports the evil and poverty induced government of Otti shall not escape the wrath of God ” he lamented
Governor Otti, who promised change and progress, has instead brought misery to those who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of our children. With many lecturers now struggling to feed their families, pay bills, and even afford transportation, it is clear that the governor’s priorities lie elsewhere.
Otti’s promises during the 2023 campaign under Labour Party were clear: to improve education, ensure fair compensation for educators, and provide a supportive environment for both students and staff. However, the reality is far from what was promised. The lecturers are now questioning the sincerity of these promises as they face months of unpaid wages. Their morale is at an all-time low, and many are considering leaving the profession altogether.
Another senior lecturer names withheld for privacy revealed that he has lectured in Abia State Poly for more than 10 years yet he has nothing to show for it.
”Many lecturers who have served for more than 10 years have complained bitterly about the poor condition of service. What happened to the government’s promise to uplift the educational sector? Is this the ‘change’ that Governor Otti envisioned? Or is this a blatant disregard for the value of education in Abia State?” He questioned
The ripple effect of this failure is not only being felt by lecturers but by students as well. Abia Polytechnic, once a thriving institution, is now struggling to maintain its standards. With unpaid staff and insufficient resources, the quality of education has deteriorated, and students are being denied the quality learning they deserve.
As lecturers become demoralized, the impact on students is undeniable. How can a student succeed in an environment where their lecturers are forced to work without pay, without the basic resources to deliver quality education? The future of Abia Polytechnic is hanging by a thread.
It is time for the people of Abia State to rise up and demand justice for the lecturers of Abia Polytechnic. Governor Otti must be held accountable for his blatant failure to deliver on his promises and for his mistreatment of the educators who have dedicated their lives to the service of our youth.
We must come together, not only for the sake of the lecturers but for the future of our education system. If we allow this injustice to continue, we are dooming the next generation to a life of ignorance and poverty. Abia cannot afford to lose its educators or its future.
Governor Otti, it is time to act. Pay the lecturers. It is unbelievable that with the humongous amount of money you received from the Federal Government, lecturers are still grossly under paid. Restore the dignity of education. Give the people of Abia what they were promised: true leadership and a bright future for our children.
