Ikot Osurua Residents Protest at Akwa Ibom Polytechnic, Demand Rector’s Removal

Residents of Ikot Osurua, the host community of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Ekpene, on Tuesday barricaded the main entrance of the institution in protest against the appointment of a non-indigene as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

The demonstration, which drew over 1,000 people, also called for the removal of Rector Dr. Moses Umobong, whose tenure is due to end in two months. Protesters accused him of slashing part-time staff salaries from ₦50,000 to ₦30,000, despite ongoing national discussions on a higher minimum wage, describing the move as a breach of civil service rules.

The protest, which began around 7 a.m., disrupted Students’ Union Week activities as staff and students were denied access to the campus. Placards carried by demonstrators read: “CLO Our Right,” “Umobong Worst Rector in Akwa Poly History,” and “Umobong Slashes Part-Time Workers’ Salary.”

Reacting to the unrest, Rector Umobong expressed regret, noting that his tenure was nearing its end. He said he would brief the state government before making further comments.

Earlier in July, Umobong dismissed claims of a succession crisis, rejecting rumours that he was positioning a kinsman to succeed him. He maintained that only the governor has the authority to appoint a rector, stressing that such allegations were politically motivated.

Highlighting his achievements, Umobong pointed to the institution’s full accreditation of all programmes, its rise from 99th to second place nationally, and the employment of over 60 PhD holders. He expressed gratitude to the governor and past leaders for their support and voiced hope that the polytechnic’s growth would continue beyond his tenure.