The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government to resolve what it described as “disturbing developments” undermining the stability of polytechnic education in Nigeria. The warning was issued at a press conference in Lagos by Monday Ojo, chairman of ASUP at the Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), speaking on behalf of the union’s president, Shammah Kpanja.
Ojo highlighted several critical grievances confronting polytechnic lecturers nationwide, including the non-release of the circular for the Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears of the 25/35 per cent salary review, continued discrimination against HND holders, and delays in the second round of NEEDS assessment intervention. He also criticised the federal ministry of education for outsourcing quality assurance activities in polytechnics and decried the failure of some state governments to implement Nigeria’s new minimum wage.
The union further accused the federal government of stalling the renegotiation of the ASUP-FGN 2010 agreement, leaving members demotivated due to unpaid promotion arrears dating as far back as 2019. Ojo condemned what he described as the unlawful disruption of union activities by security agents and expressed dissatisfaction over the federal government’s inability to establish a dedicated polytechnic commission.
“If these issues remain unresolved after 21 days, we may have no option but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide,” Ojo warned.
At a congress of ASUP’s YabaTech chapter, Zone C coordinator Masopa Nurudeen painted a grim picture of polytechnic lecturers’ plight, noting that salaries are inadequate and many members are struggling financially, taking on additional tasks to cope with economic pressures.
The ASUP ultimatum comes amid growing tension in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also convening meetings to deliberate on a potential indefinite nationwide strike over unmet demands.
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