Public pupils and students in Akwa Ibom State will be out of school until further notice after their teachers commenced an indefinite strike on Tuesday.

Premium Times reported that the striking teachers are demanding the payment of eight years leave grant to primary school teachers from 2013 – 2021 and six years of promotion arrears from 2011 to 2016.

The aggrieved teachers also demand the release of the 2017, 2018 promotion exercise conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board as well as the refund of seven and a half per cent contributory pension to primary school teachers and appointment of teachers as permanent secretaries among others.

Confirming the strike action in a statement released in the state capital in Uyo on Tuesday, the Union Secretary, Victor Amirize claimed that the “government insensitivity” pushed the teachers to embark on the strike action.

“The Nigerian Union of Teachers hereby orders all primary and secondary schools teachers in public schools to proceed on an indefinite strike action.”

He added that the decision was reached after “all avenues of negotiation and amicable resolutions failed on the part of the state government.”

“The government could not address the demands of the teachers after 21 working days and subsequent seven days ultimatum given by the union to the government.

“The government promise of payment of one year leave grant on compassionate ground and completion of payment of one-month minimum wage arrears to primary schools teachers could not be actualised.”

Subsequently, the union also solicits the understanding of parents and students who will be directly affected by the strike.