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Staff of Plateau College of Health Technology protest 45 months of unpaid salaries

Academic and non-academic activities were completely shut down on Thursday at the Plateau State College of Health Technology, Pankshin, as ad hoc staff of the college protested over their unpaid salaries running into 45 months.

The ad hoc workers reportedly barricaded the main gate of the institution at about 10a.m., displaying placards with inscriptions about their plight, and refused to allow other staff and students access into the school’s premises.

One of the leaders of the staff who gave his name only as Mr. Wambutda, told journalists that “it was appalling that despite their plight, there are ongoing replacements of staff in vacant positions without the ad hoc staff being given any attention.”

“The reason for the protest is the non-confirmation/absorption, ongoing replacement of workers and the non-payment of our stipend for 45 months,” Wambutda said.

“The protest is an opportunity to bring the attention of the government and other relevant agencies to the injustice and unfair treatment that we have suffered in the institution for the past years,” he said.

The protesters vowed that they would continue with their action until their demands are met by the state government as the institution is run by the state.

The Registrar of the College, Paul Rabo, who was approached by journalists to confirm if the workers were owed for that length of time, said he was not aware of their grievances

“I do not know why they protested. Let me find out, I will get back to you; or perhaps, you can come to Pankshin and I will speak with you face-to-face,” he said.

The College Provost, Dr. Fwangje was not also available for comments as he did not respond to calls made to his phones.

The State Ministry of Higher Education could not also comment as the Ministry has no commissioner and the Permanent Secretary, who is the acting head, could not be reached at the time of the report.

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