The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called off its planned industrial action following the Federal Government’s decision to retract the newly introduced service scheme for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in government employment.
The polytechnic lecturers stated that there is no need for a nationwide strike since the Federal Government has addressed their concerns about the controversial policy.
They argued that the policy, if implemented, would have exacerbated the existing disparity between HND and BSc holders in the labor market.
Recently, the Federal Government, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), issued a white paper titled “Scheme of Service for Polytechnics,” signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
This document, sent to ASUP through the NBTE, contained several discrepancies and contentious issues that displeased ASUP members, who are key stakeholders in polytechnic education.
Consequently, they demanded a halt to its implementation and warned of a nationwide strike if the policy was enforced.
The union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, ending on Friday, July 19, threatening to proceed with the industrial action if the policy was not withdrawn.
However, after a series of meetings with stakeholders, including ASUP representatives, the Federal Government decided to withdraw the policy.
As a result, ASUP announced that they would no longer strike over this matter. This resolution was made during ASUP’s NEC meeting on Monday, July 22.
ASUP President Shammah Kpanja disclosed this in a statement released on Monday night.
He acknowledged that their demands regarding the new policy had been substantially met and appreciated the steadfastness of ASUP members in the face of unwarranted provocation.
He also thanked various stakeholders, including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff unions, and students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students, for their intervention and inputs.
“We are equally appreciative of the productive intervention of the Minister of Education and the receptive disposition of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE in arriving at these decisions, as well as the media for once again being worthy partners.
Our union shall, therefore, dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that reflects the aspirations of the sector,” Kpanja stated.
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