The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike due to the federal government’s failure to fulfill agreements aimed at improving the working conditions of its members. ASUP issued a 15-day ultimatum on Thursday during a press conference held in Kaduna, as reported by Plateau News
Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, the Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, updated members on the resolutions reached during the Union’s 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 6, 2024, in Abuja.
The 15-day ultimatum commenced on October 7, 2024, and after the deadline, the NEC will reconvene to decide the next course of action.
Abdullahi expressed frustration over the federal government’s slow response to implementing agreements that have been pending since 2010.
He stressed that these agreements are essential for improving working conditions within polytechnics and fostering a conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisition, and research.
The union’s NEC resolved to take action after exhausting nearly all possible avenues for a peaceful resolution. ASUP has instructed all its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during the 15-day period, hoping the government will act to prevent a potential shutdown of polytechnics across Nigeria.
– The reassessment and cancellation of decisions made by the government, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and polytechnic Governing Councils that contradict the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amended) 2019.
– Immediate payment of arrears related to the CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadre staff.
– The recommencement and conclusion of the renegotiation process concerning the 2010 ASUP-Federal Government agreement.
– The release of updated conditions of service for the polytechnic sector.
– Implementation and payment of all pending promotions and arrears in both federal and state-owned institutions.
Abdullahi emphasized the urgency of these matters, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent a nationwide strike that would affect polytechnic education in Nigeria.