Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given federal government 21 days to resolve lingering issues affecting the polytechnic education sector in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on behalf of ASUP president, Shammah Kpanja, the Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) chapter chairman, Monday Ojo, addressed journalists at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday.
He said an emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja had raised alarm over “disturbing developments” that continue to undermine stability in the sector.
Ojo stated that the government’s failure to show a concrete commitment forced the union’s hand.
He said, “This has left us with no choice but to issue this ultimatum. Our stand is for the federal government to address the issues satisfactorily.”
“Key issues raised include non-release of the circular for Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears of the 25/35 per cent salary review, and continued discrimination against HND holders.”
“ASUP also faulted the delay in the release of the second round of NEEDS assessment intervention and criticised the Federal Ministry of Education for outsourcing quality assurance activities in polytechnics.”
The union leader further lamented that some state governments were yet to implement the new minimum wage, while the federal government had stalled renegotiation of the ASUP-FGN 2010 agreement.
He added, “Our members are demotivated by unpaid promotion arrears, with some dating back to 2019. This situation is unacceptable and worsening morale in institutions.”
Ojo also criticised the illegal disruption of union activities by security operatives, adding that ASUP remained dissatisfied with government’s refusal to establish a dedicated polytechnic commission.
He warned, “If these issues remain unresolved after 21 days, we may have no option but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide.”
At the YabaTech congress, Masopa Nurudeen, ASUP’s Zone C coordinator, highlighted the worsening financial struggles of lecturers.
He said, “Salaries are inadequate, our members are undergoing financial difficulties and many individuals are struggling and performing additional tasks to cope with the economic situation.”
ASUP’s threat of a nationwide strike comes at a time when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is also considering an indefinite strike over unmet demands.
