The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared its intention to commence a two-week warning strike starting Monday, December 2, 2024, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing issues undermining Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
The resolution was reached during ASUP’s 112th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the Union, its National President, Comrade Kpanja Shammah, outlined 11 critical demands that remain unaddressed, some of which date back to previous administrations, including that of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Shammah, the unresolved issues include impunity and disregard for the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act and state edicts governing the appointment of principal officers. He specifically cited misconduct in the appointment processes for rectors in Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Federal Polytechnic Wannune.
He further criticized the suspension of the review of the Polytechnics’ Scheme of Service, the non-disbursement of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, and the exclusion of peculiar academic allowances from the post-IPPIS payment system. Additionally, the Union accused the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of interfering in polytechnic admission processes and condemned the failure of state-owned polytechnics to implement the 35/25% salary review or pay arrears in federal institutions.
“Our Union’s National Executive Council reviewed the current status of our engagements with proprietors of Public Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology, and Monotechnics. Despite issuing a 15-day ultimatum, the government has failed to act on our demands,” Shammah stated.
He described the situation as “a battle for the soul of Nigeria’s polytechnic system,” emphasizing the Union’s frustration with the government’s perceived indifference.
“We are forced to once again withdraw our services to press for a healthier teaching and learning environment. If the government does not meet our demands during this two-week action, we will have no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike,” he warned.
ASUP had previously demanded the reversal of decisions inconsistent with governance instruments within the sub-sector, accusing NBTE of overstepping its regulatory bounds. It also criticized the government for failing to meet demands aimed at ensuring the effective functioning of the polytechnic system.
The Union called on Nigerians for understanding, asserting that the strike is aimed at revitalizing the polytechnic system for the benefit of students and staff alike.
“We urge the government to take decisive steps to resolve these issues and avert a full-blown crisis,” Shammah concluded.
