The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) has placed its members on high alert following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum directed at the Federal Government and relevant agencies.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Monday at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu-Igbo by Comrade Mosopa Adekunle Nurudeen, the Zone C Coordinator of ASUP.
Nurudeen emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The National Executive Council of ASUP will soon convene a meeting in accordance with the relevant portions of the labour law to decide on the next line of action.” His remarks underscore the union’s growing frustration with the government’s perceived indifference to the challenges faced by its members across the nation.
The ASUP Coordinator expressed deep concern over the government’s neglect, describing their attitude towards polytechnic education as “worrisome.”
He particularly criticized the non-implementation of resolutions reached during a tripartite meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Education, which involved the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) and ASUP.
In light of these developments, the body has made it clear that to avert a potential industrial action, the NBTE must adhere to the resolutions established during the July 2024 meeting regarding the 2023 reviewed Scheme of Service. Additionally, ASUP is calling for the immediate reversal of the recent appointment of Principal Officers at Federal Polytechnic Nekede and other related matters.
The union is also demanding the prompt payment of outstanding arrears of 25/30% owed to its members in federal institutions, as well as the CONTISS 15 migration arrears for lower cadres. Furthermore, ASUP insists on the urgent allocation and disbursement of funds for the 2023 NEEDS ASSESSMENT intervention, aimed at addressing infrastructural deficiencies in public polytechnics across Nigeria.
Lastly, ASUP urged the NBTE to refrain from overstepping its bounds and usurping the authority of statutory bodies, particularly the Academic Board, concerning the admission of students at any level. The ongoing tensions reflect a critical juncture for the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria, as both sides brace for what could be a pivotal moment in negotiations.
