Nigeria’s polytechnic sector faces renewed uncertainty as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has delivered a decisive 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate solutions to longstanding challenges undermining the nation’s technical education system.
The ultimatum, announced in Lagos by Monday Ojo, Chairman of ASUP at Yaba College of Technology, follows an emergency National Executive Council meeting where union leaders voiced deep frustration over unresolved issues. ASUP’s grievances include the non-release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance circular, unpaid salary arrears from the 25/35 percent review, and persistent discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.
The union also criticized delays in the release of the second phase of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and raised concerns about the Ministry of Education’s decision to outsource quality assurance in polytechnics. Further, ASUP condemned the Federal Government’s slow pace in renegotiating the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement and called out state governments that have yet to implement the new minimum wage.
Many lecturers are reportedly demoralized by outstanding promotion arrears, some dating back as far as 2019, and are struggling with inadequate salaries that force them to seek additional employment. The union also highlighted interference from security agencies and the absence of a dedicated polytechnic commission as critical issues.
ASUP has warned that failure to address these demands within 21 days could result in a nationwide withdrawal of services, potentially disrupting academic activities across polytechnics. The union’s leadership insists that urgent government intervention is essential to restore stability, improve staff welfare, and safeguard the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
