The Federal Polytechnic at Ekowe in Bayelsa on Monday resumed academic activities after a lingering labour dispute that shut the institution.

The resumption follows the intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

Students and staff of the tertiary institution were seen moving about at the main campus while the liaison office was open.

James Ebilade, a National for brokering Diploma student of Electrical Engineering applauded the Minister of Education for brokering a truce that resulted to the reopening of the school.

“The prompt mediation of the Minister and subsequent resumption is highly commendable. The students heaved a sigh of relief hearing the news of resumption.

“Today, the resumption is a reality as both academic and non-academic staff are on ground,” he said.

The minister had summoned parties to the industrial dispute that left the Polytechnic located on the banks of River Nun in Bayelsa shut since July 11 to a mediatory meeting on Sept. 29.

The governing council of the polytechnic held an emergency Council meeting at the weekend ahead of Monday’s resumption and set up a panel to investigate allegations against the Rector, Dr Lukman Agbabiaka.

The unions, Non Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the polytechnic had withdrawn their services alleging high handedness and breach of the Polytechnic Act.

It was learnt that the probe-panel was mandated to report its findings in three weeks in line with the directives of the minister.

The workers had kept the institution under locks for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the Rector who took the three unions to court over labour disputes whereas the governing council was statutorily mandated under the Act to handle labour related matters.

When contacted for reaction on current developments, Mr Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of the tertiary institution declined comments.

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