The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has outlined conditions the Federal Government must meet to end the ongoing strike in federal and state polytechnics.
ASUP leadership emphasized that the industrial action would persist unless the government addresses their demands. The strike, which began as a two-week warning action last week, aims to compel the Federal Government to fulfill a series of agreements and obligations.
Unresolved Demands
Speaking with Sunday Sun, ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, disclosed that the union’s grievances revolve around 11 contentious issues. Of these, one has been fully addressed, while another has seen partial implementation, leaving nine unresolved.
Kpanja stated:
“The strike became necessary because the Federal Government has consistently failed to implement our demands. Reports from ASUP branches show significant compliance with the directive for the warning strike, except at Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, where the Governing Council violated the Polytechnics Act in appointing a new rector, a decision we are contesting.”
The union has scheduled a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for Monday, December 9. Kpanja assured that ASUP would approach the discussions with an open mind, but a resolution depends on the government’s response to the pending demands.
“After the meeting, NEC will deliberate on the government’s offer. If there is no substantial progress after the warning strike, we may escalate to an indefinite strike. The government’s failure to act forced us into this situation, and our members are growing increasingly frustrated,” he added.
Key Demands
ASUP’s demands include:
1. Enforcement of the Federal Polytechnics Act.
2. Review and implementation of the Schemes of Service for Polytechnics and Conditions of Service.
3. Release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment intervention funds.
4. Resolution of disputes regarding the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) interference in academic board functions.
5. Inclusion of Peculiar Academic Allowance in the planned post-IPPIS payroll structure.
6. Implementation of the 35%/25% salary review for state polytechnic staff and payment of arrears in federal polytechnics.
7. Payment of CONTISS 15 migration arrears for lower-cadre staff.
8. Conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2010 FGN/ASUP agreement.
9. Resolution of issues related to promotions and arrears in federal and state institutions.
10. End to intimidation of union officials at Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
11. Issuance of appointments for rectors in four federal polytechnics where the selection process is complete.
The union insists that meeting these conditions is critical to restoring normalcy in polytechnics nationwide.
