Polytechnic workers across the country have declared a three-day warning strike from Wednesday, 22 January, to Friday, 24 January 2025.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) stated that the strike was prompted by what they described as marginalisation of non-teaching staff and the denial of career progression opportunities.
In a letter dated 14 January 2025, addressed to Education Minister Tunji Alausa, SSANIP’s Secretary, Nura Gaya, explained that the strike aims to highlight their concerns over a perceived plot to exclude non-teaching staff from advancing to the highest career levels under the revised Polytechnic Schemes of Service (CONTEDISS 15).
The letter read:
“SSANIP has consistently advocated for equity and justice within the Polytechnic system, ensuring career progression policies benefit both teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Unfortunately, prior engagements with the authorities have yielded little progress, and current developments targeting non-teaching staff represent a direct challenge to our efforts.
“This warning strike underscores the gravity of our grievances. Non-teaching staff must not be marginalised or denied progression, especially as their distinct salary structures do not infringe on those of teaching staff.”
The union called on the Minister to urgently address the matter and prevent further disruptions, while affirming their readiness for constructive dialogue to resolve the issue amicably.