The Non Academic Staff Union of Teachers Continuous Training Institute Biase, led by Comrade Egwu Inamang Ukam and his team, had proposed a protest against the Management of TCTI today, July 9, 2025, that they are going to protest the non implementation of their promotion and minimum wage as approved by the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in the State. The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, earlier on Tuesday (July 8, 2025), had summoned them with the entire management of the Institute, and all parties were brought together and they were advised by the Commissioner that there is no two ways than amicable resolution of the issues raised. The management of the Institute agreed that their minimum wage will be implemented this month and their promotion letters will be released this week.
The Commissioner – Associate Professor Odey, also urged all parties involved to maintain a cordial working relationship as the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu will not be happy to know of any industrial dispute in any sector in the state to disrupt especially the academic activities of TCTI. The Commissioner advised the Unionist to explore all the avenues available as strike or protest should be the last resort, warning that such griviances has not even been made known to him the Commissioner who is the Supervisory Chief Executive in the Education Sector.
The Commissioner, emphasized that they should ensure due process and not be allowed to be influenced by an outsider, to do things that are not administratively correct.
The Union leaders and management were excited as Associate Professor Stephen Odey also donated a copy of a book he authored on ‘Introduction to Industrial Sociology’ which will give them needed guide, since they are new unionists. The commissioner charged them to maintain employee – employer cordial working relationship.
His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, would undoubtedly be displeased to learn of any actions that undermine the Government’s efforts, particularly those that lead to unnecessary industrial disputes. The management was tasked with maintaining regular communication with the Union to prevent misunderstandings and industrial crises. The parties were pleased and thanked the Education Commissioner for his timely intervention. Those in attendance included Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Director General TCTI Biase, Dr. Mrs. Margaret O. Odey, and others.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey
