The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced a two-week warning strike starting December 2, 2024, over the government’s failure to address its 11-point demands.
ASUP President, Comrade Kpanja Shamnah, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja following the union’s 112th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
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The union expressed dissatisfaction with various issues, particularly the appointment of principal officers in federal and state polytechnics without adhering to the Federal Polytechnics Act.
“The defining resolution of our Union’s 111th NEC was the issuance of a 15-day ultimatum to the government to address issues threatening the progress of the sector or face a withdrawal of services by our members nationwide,” Shamnah stated.
Among the grievances cited is the alleged misconduct in the appointment of a rector at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and the appointment of another at Federal Polytechnic Wannune, which ASUP described as breaches of due process.
The union also accused the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of overstepping its role by interfering in the admission process for Higher National Diploma students, a function traditionally reserved for polytechnic academic boards.
Other demands include:
- The release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment intervention funds.
- Non-review of the suspended “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics” document.
- Implementation of the 35/25% salary review in state polytechnics and payment of arrears in federal institutions.
- Regularization of peculiar academic allowances post-IPPIS implementation.
Shamnah stated that the union’s members would withdraw their services nationwide from December 2, warning that if their demands remain unmet, an indefinite strike may follow.
“This action is a call to save Nigeria’s Polytechnic System from continuous neglect and ensure a healthy teaching and learning environment,” he added.
ASUP called on the public to support its efforts and urged the government to address the demands promptly to avoid further disruptions to the academic calendar.
