The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government, urging the resolution of various longstanding issues affecting the polytechnic sector, reports Nigerian Tribune.
The ultimatum, which begins on October 7, 2024, and concludes on October 25, 2024, could lead to industrial action if the demands are not met, the Union said.
ASUP’s National President, Shammah Kpanja, revealed this decision on Thursday after a National Executive Council (NEC) of the Union in Abuja when he addressed the press.
He explained that the union reviewed ongoing discussions with the proprietors of public polytechnics, including both federal and state institutions, during the NEC meeting.
Among the grievances raised by ASUP are alleged violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act and other governing laws, which affect the appointment of key administrative officers in both federal and state-owned polytechnics.
Kpanja also highlighted the lack of review for the “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics,” as well as the failure to release updated conditions of service for polytechnic staff.
Another significant issue for the union is the federal government’s failure to disburse the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, a long-standing financial commitment to enhance the education sector.
Kpanja further condemned what he termed interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the admission process for Higher National Diploma (HND) students, a function traditionally reserved for polytechnic academic boards.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the omission of academic allowances in the national budget, particularly in anticipation of changes following the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The union also criticised state-owned polytechnics for failing to implement the agreed 35%/25% salary increase and the federal government’s delay in releasing the related arrears.
Other unresolved issues include the payment of outstanding arrears under the CONTISS 15 Migration for lower cadre staff and the exclusion of ASUP from the renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement.
Kpanja warned that if the government does not take action, ASUP will not hesitate to mobilise its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests.
In his words: “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 added that, after the expiration of the ultimatum, ASUP’s NEC will reconvene to determine the next course of action. The union also urged its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this period.
ASUP hopes that the federal government will utilise the two-week window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of polytechnic institutions across the country.
