The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues affecting polytechnic education nationwide.
The ultimatum was announced on Thursday in Lagos by the Chairman of ASUP, Yaba College of Technology, Monday Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the union’s National President, Shammah Kpanja.
According to Ojo, the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting of the union in Abuja, where members expressed concern over “disturbing developments” threatening the stability of the polytechnic sector.
He said, “This has left us with no choice but to issue this ultimatum. Our stand is for the Federal Government to address the issues satisfactorily.”
Ojo listed the union’s demands, which include the non-release of the circular for Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears from the 25/35 per cent salary review, and continued discrimination against HND holders.
He further stated, “ASUP also faulted the delay in the release of the second round of NEEDS Assessment intervention and criticised the Federal Ministry of Education for outsourcing quality assurance activities in polytechnics.”
He condemned the Federal Government for stalling the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement, and some state governments for failing to implement the new minimum wage.
The union lamented that many members remain demoralised due to unpaid promotion arrears, with some dating as far back as 2019.
Ojo said, “Our members are demotivated by unpaid promotion arrears, with some dating back to 2019. This situation is unacceptable and worsening morale in institutions.”
He also accused security agents of unlawfully disrupting union activities, while criticising the government’s inability to establish a dedicated polytechnic commission.
Ojo warned that failure to meet the union’s demands within the ultimatum period could force ASUP to declare a trade dispute and withdraw services nationwide.
“If these issues remain unresolved after 21 days, we may have no option but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide,” he cautioned.
Also speaking at a congress of ASUP, Yabatech Chapter, the union’s Zone C Coordinator, Mr. Masopa Nurudeen, said polytechnic lecturers were enduring severe financial hardship.
Nurudeen said, “Salaries are inadequate, our members are undergoing financial difficulties and many individuals are struggling and performing additional tasks to cope with the economic situation.”
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