The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address several critical issues impacting the functioning of polytechnics and mono-technics nationwide, warning of a potential prolonged strike if their concerns are not met.
During a press briefing at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, ASUP’s Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, Lumpye Simji, stated that the union’s national executive council, in its recent meeting, reviewed ongoing engagements with the proprietors of public polytechnics, colleges of technology, and mono-technics. The review focused on several pressing concerns within the polytechnic sector.
Key issues raised include reports of impunity and disregard for the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, state edicts establishing institutions, and other governance instruments, particularly regarding the appointment of principal officers in federal and state polytechnics.
Additional concerns include the failure to review the suspended document titled “Scheme of Service for Polytechnics,” the non-release of conditions of service, the delayed release of the second tranche of needs assessment intervention funds, among other unresolved matters.
“Refusal of state governments to implement the 25/35% salary review for members and non-release of the arrears of same in federal polytechnics.”
“Non-payment of promotion arrears in state and federal institutions and non-implementation of promotion in some state-owned institutions.” The union leadership added.
The union’s national executive council called for the immediate review and reversal of all decisions or actions deemed inconsistent with the Federal Polytechnics Act and other governance frameworks in the sector.
It also urged the immediate commencement of the review process for the suspended “Scheme of Service for Polytechnics” document, as agreed in the tripartite meeting held in July 2024.
Other key resolutions include the release of the second tranche of the needs assessment intervention fund for public polytechnics and colleges of technology, the cessation of actions that undermine or duplicate the responsibilities of academic boards in the student admissions process—such as the recent launch of a student admission portal by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)—and the inclusion of negotiated peculiar academic allowances in the post-IPPIS payment scheme.
The union further called for the immediate implementation of the approved 25%/35% salary review across all tertiary institutions in the states and the payment of accrued arrears.
In light of these demands, the union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a functional polytechnic and mono-technic education system in the country. It has issued a 15-day ultimatum, starting from October 7, 2024, as required by law, for the proprietors of public polytechnics to address these concerns or face potential industrial action.