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.”
