The ongoing industrial strike by non-teaching university staff has caused a shutdown of electricity, water supply, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).
The nationwide strike, organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), entered its third day.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited the campus, reported that all administrative offices, including those of directors and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, were locked.
In spite of the shutdown, some students were seen taking exams in lecture halls.
However, several students complained that computer-assisted and ICT-based exams could not proceed due to the total shutdown of ICT infrastructure.
A staff member, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the unionists had effectively paralyzed most daily operations on campus.
He added that the current situation made it unsafe and uncomfortable for students residing on campus.
“Given the circumstances, it would be better for the authorities to send students home, as there are no services to guarantee a peaceful and conducive environment.
The growing frustration among students could lead to violent protests,” he warned.
He also urged the Federal Government to ensure uniform payment of salaries and entitlements for all university staff, noting that administrative staff often hold advanced degrees and face the same living expenses as their teaching counterparts.
A student of Environmental Studies, Mr. Friday Egba, expressed frustration over the four-day disruption.
“We have to buy water, charge our phones and laptops at our own expense, and there is no free Wi-Fi. We are suffering for an issue that should not involve us in the first place,” Egba said.
