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ASUP Issues 21-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Unresolved Polytechnic Demands

Phinadon Mag

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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government (FG) to address a range of long-standing issues affecting the polytechnic education sector. The union warns that failure to meet their demands could result in a nationwide strike, potentially disrupting academic activities across the country.

ASUP’s core demands include:

  • Establishment of the National Polytechnics Commission: ASUP seeks a dedicated regulatory body for polytechnics, similar to those overseeing universities and colleges of education, and urges the fast-tracking of the executive bill’s transmission to the National Assembly.
  • End to HND/Degree Disparity: The union reiterates its call to eliminate the discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders compared to university degree holders, arguing it demoralizes polytechnic graduates and hinders sectoral growth.
  • Implementation of Agreements: ASUP demands full implementation of the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement, including the payment of the Peculiar Academic Allowance and the complete rollout of the 25–35% salary review.
  • Reforms in Quality Assurance: ASUP advocates for a more transparent and professionally managed process for quality assurance in polytechnics, raising concerns about the competence of external consultants used for accreditation exercises.
  • Resolution of Outstanding Payments: The union seeks the reconvening of negotiations on the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement, specifically addressing unresolved issues such as the payment of CONTISS 15 arrears and promotion arrears dating back to 2014 and 2019.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, speaking to journalists in Abuja, also criticized the removal of certain allowances from the federal budget and the inadequate follow-up from agencies like the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Federal Ministry of Education. The union highlighted the dire situation in state-owned polytechnics, where the N70,000 national minimum wage has yet to be implemented in many states, and expressed displeasure over delays in releasing the second tranche of the approved NEEDS Assessment intervention fund.

The ASUP National Executive Council has resolved that if these issues remain unresolved within the 21-day ultimatum, the union “may be compelled to declare a trade dispute and withdraw services across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide.”

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Senate Confirms Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as Ambassador.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Engineer Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report submitted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Abubakar, representing Niger North. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Ndanusa for the diplomatic position, after which he appeared before the committee for screening.

Presenting the committee’s recommendations during plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ndanusa’s confirmation after lawmakers unanimously endorsed the nomination through a voice vote.

Akpabio congratulated the nominee and expressed confidence that Ndanusa would draw on his professional experience to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and strengthen the nation’s relations with other countries.

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Ogun Police Rescue 11 Ghanaian Nationals in Sagamu Visa Scam.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

The victims—seven males and four females—were rescued during an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence received on October 19, 2026, concerning a suspected hideout.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and detained against their will.

The victims are currently receiving care and support, while detectives work to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating transnational crime, stating that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for criminals.

The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

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Federal Government Confirms Ebola Case in the FCT.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Federal Government has confirmed one laboratory-diagnosed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case was confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT. She had received treatment at the facility for several days before being isolated. She is currently receiving medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that contact tracing had commenced. So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and FCT health authorities, is taking measures to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and report suspected exposure or symptoms to public health officials. The NCDC toll-free call centre is available 24 hours a day on 6232 for information and suspected case reporting.

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