The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to address several unresolved issues affecting polytechnics across Nigeria.
The ultimatum, which begins on October 7, 2024, and ends on October 25, 2024, could result in industrial action if the demands are not met.
ASUP’s national president, Shammah Kpanja, made this announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, October 3, following the union’s National Executive Council meeting.
Kpanja stated, “We are giving the federal government a 15-day ultimatum, starting from October 7, 2024. If these issues remain unresolved, we will consider various forms of trade disputes, including withdrawing our services nationwide.”
He explained that ASUP had reviewed discussions with the Rectors of public polytechnics, both federal and state, and identified key issues that have yet to be resolved. Among these issues are the alleged violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act, particularly in the appointment of key administrative officers in polytechnics.
The union also raised concerns about the lack of updates to the Schemes of Service for polytechnics and the delay in releasing improved conditions of service for staff.
Another critical issue is the government’s failure to release the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, which were meant to improve the education sector.
ASUP further criticised the National Board for Technical Education for interfering in the admission process for Higher National Diploma students, a task traditionally managed by polytechnic academic boards.
Kpanja also expressed dissatisfaction with the omission of academic allowances in the national budget, particularly concerning the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
He added, “State-owned polytechnics have failed to implement the agreed 35% and 25% salary increase, and the federal government has delayed the release of the arrears related to this.”
Additionally, ASUP highlighted unresolved issues like the payment of outstanding arrears for lower cadre staff under the CONTISS 15 Migration and the exclusion of ASUP from the renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP-Federal Government agreement.
“If these issues are not addressed within the two-week window, ASUP will not hesitate to mobilise its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests,” Kpanja warned.
ASUP urged its members across local chapters to prepare for peaceful protests, media campaigns, and other actions during this period.
Kpanja concluded by expressing hope that the federal government would resolve the issues in time to avoid a possible shutdown of polytechnic institutions across Nigeria.
