The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, calling for the resolution of several longstanding issues affecting the polytechnic sector.
The ultimatum, which starts on October 7, 2024, and ends on October 25, 2024, may result in industrial action if the demands are not addressed.
ASUP’s National President, Shammah Kpanja, announced this decision on Thursday after a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where he spoke to the press.
Key issues raised by ASUP include alleged violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act and other governing laws impacting the appointment of essential administrative officers in both federal and state-owned polytechnics.
Kpanja also pointed out the lack of a review of the “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics” and the failure to release updated conditions of service for polytechnic staff.
Another major concern is the Federal Government’s delay in disbursing the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, a critical financial commitment to improve the education sector.
Additionally, Kpanja condemned what he described as interference by the National Board for Technical Education in the admission process for Higher National Diploma students, a responsibility traditionally managed by polytechnic academic boards.
He expressed alarm over the omission of academic allowances from the national budget, particularly with anticipated changes following the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
The union criticized state-owned polytechnics for not implementing the agreed 35%/25% salary increase and for the Federal Government’s delays in releasing related arrears.
Other unresolved issues include the payment of outstanding arrears under the CONTISS 15 Migration for lower cadre staff and ASUP’s exclusion from the renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement.
Kpanja warned that if the government does not take action, ASUP will not hesitate to mobilize its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests.
“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.
He added that after the ultimatum expires, ASUP’s NEC will reconvene to decide on the next steps. The union also encouraged local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this time.
ASUP hopes the Federal Government will use the two-week window to address these issues and prevent a potential shutdown of polytechnic institutions across the country
