The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has formally issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent attention to unresolved issues impacting the polytechnic sector.
This ultimatum commences on October 7, 2024, and will conclude on October 25, 2024, with the potential for industrial action if their demands are not addressed.
ASUP’s National President, Shammah Kpanja, announced the ultimatum on Thursday following a meeting of the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja.
During the press conference, Kpanja emphasized that the NEC reviewed ongoing discussions with the proprietors of public polytechnics, both federal and state, before making this significant decision.
Among ASUP’s key grievances are alleged violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act and other relevant laws, which hinder the appointment of essential administrative officers in polytechnics.
Kpanja pointed out the lack of updates to the “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics” and criticized the government’s failure to release revised conditions of service for polytechnic staff.
A crucial concern raised by the union is the Federal Government’s delay in disbursing the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds—financial support intended to bolster the education sector.
Kpanja also denounced the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for its interference in the admission processes for Higher National Diploma (HND) students, a responsibility that should traditionally lie with the academic boards of polytechnics.
He expressed dismay over the exclusion of academic allowances from the national budget, particularly with anticipated changes due to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Additionally, ASUP criticized state-owned polytechnics for not implementing the agreed 35%/25% salary increase and for the federal government’s ongoing delay in releasing the corresponding arrears.
Other unresolved matters include outstanding arrears related to CONTISS 15 Migration for lower cadre staff and the exclusion of ASUP from renegotiations regarding the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement.
Kpanja warned that the union would not hesitate to mobilize its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests, if the government fails to act.
“In line with our commitment to advocating for a functional polytechnic education system in Nigeria, we hereby issue a 15-day ultimatum, starting from October 7, 2024.
If these issues are not resolved within this period, we will consider various forms of trade disputes, including a possible withdrawal of services by our members nationwide,” he stated.
Following the expiration of the ultimatum, ASUP’s NEC plans to reconvene to assess the situation and decide on further actions.
The union is encouraging its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful demonstrations during this period.
ASUP remains hopeful that the Federal Government will seize this two-week opportunity to address these pressing issues and avert a potential shutdown of polytechnic institutions across the nation.
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