The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the federal government and relevant agencies a 15-day ultimatum to reverse decisions and actions that violate the Polytechnics Act and other governance rules in the sector.
Speaking to the press in Jos, Plateau State, ASUP’s Zone B Chairman, Comrade Lumpye Innocent Simji, voiced concerns about reports of impunity and the disregard for the Federal Polytechnics Act and the laws governing state-owned institutions. These issues particularly affect the appointment of key officials in both federal and state polytechnics, as well as other governance matters.
Simji also criticized the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for overstepping its authority by interfering in the Academic Boards’ duties, especially regarding the admission of Higher National Diploma (HND) students.
The Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) is calling for the immediate review of the “Scheme of Service for Polytechnics,” which was agreed upon in a tripartite meeting in July 2024 but remains suspended. ASUP is also pushing for the release of the second instalment of the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund for public polytechnics and colleges of technology.
Additionally, the Union demands the removal of any policies that undermine the responsibilities of Academic Boards in student admissions, pointing to the NBTE’s recent launch of a student admission portal as an example.
ASUP is also calling for the inclusion of the negotiated Peculiar Academic Allowance in the post-IPPIS payment scheme and the immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all tertiary institutions, along with payment of outstanding arrears.
 has given the federal government and relevant agencies a 15-day ultimatum to){kind=link}