The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its various longstanding demands, warning of potential industrial action if no progress is made.
Mr. Shammah Kpanja, ASUP’s National President, made this known during a press conference held after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
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Kpanja explained that the ultimatum, set to commence on October 7, was necessary due to the government’s failure to implement several key issues affecting the polytechnic education sector.
“Our union hereby issues a 15-day ultimatum as required by law, commencing from Oct. 7 to proprietors of public polytechnics for these items to be addressed,” Kpanja said. “At the expiration of the ultimatum, the union’s NEC will reconvene to decide a specific and legitimate course of action to address the issues listed.”
He further urged ASUP zones and chapters to prepare members for possible action within the 15-day period, using congresses, peaceful protests, and media campaigns to draw attention to their demands.
“We hope that the 15 days shall be explored by the government to address the issues and save the sector from an imminent shutdown,” Kpanja added.
Among the union’s demands is the review and reversal of actions deemed inconsistent with the Federal Polytechnics Act. They are also calling for the immediate commencement of the review of the suspended 2023 “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics” as agreed in a tripartite meeting held in July 2024.
In addition, ASUP is pressing for the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention for public polytechnics and Colleges of Technology. Other demands include the cessation of actions undermining the role of Academic Boards in student admission processes, inclusion of the negotiated peculiar academic allowance in the budget, and the implementation of a 25/35 per cent salary review for public polytechnic staff.
Kpanja emphasized the union’s call for the release of CONTISS 15 migration arrears for lower cadre staff, the recommencement of the 2010 ASUP/FGN agreement renegotiation, and the immediate release of revised conditions of service to facilitate promotions in state and federal polytechnics.
“Following the above-listed demands, and under our resolve to continue to advocate for a functional polytechnic education system in the country,” Kpanja concluded, warning that the union remains committed to addressing these issues through any legitimate means necessary.
