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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government calling for the resolution of outstanding issues affecting the polytechnic sector.
The union said the ultimatum, which would commence on October 7, 2024, and conclude on October 25, 2024, could lead to industrial action if the demands are not met.
The national president of ASUP, Shammah Kpanja, addressed reporters at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union in Abuja on Thursday, October 3.
The ASUP leader said the union reviewed ongoing discussions with the Rectors 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 affected the appointment of key administrative officers in both federal and state-owned polytechnics.
Kpanja also highlighted the lack of review of the Schemes of Service for Polytechnics as well as the failure to release updated conditions of service for polytechnic staff.
Others included the federal government’s alleged failure to disburse the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, a long-standing financial commitment to enhance the education sector.
Kpanja condemned what he termed as 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.
The union also criticised state-owned polytechnics for failing to implement the agreed 35% and 25% salary increase and the federal government’s delay in releasing the related arrears.
Other unresolved issues as identified by ASUP included 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 would not hesitate to mobilise its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests.
He said: “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 ASUP leader urged its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during the 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,” he added.
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