ASUP SET TO EMBARK ON STRIKE DEC 2ND, LISTS GRIEVANCES

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has disclosed that it will shut down all polytechnics nationwide on Monday, December 2, 2024. The announcement was made by the ASUP president Comrade Kpanja Shammah . According to him, the decision to embark on the strike was arrived at during the National Executive Council meeting of the Union in Abuja. ASUP accused the Federal Government of failure to address critical demands aimed at resolving systemic challenges in the sector.

In a statement, the ASUP president listed the reasons for the strike as follows;

"Sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, different edicts establishing state owned institutions, and other instruments of governance in the sector particularly as it affects appointment of Principal Officers in Federal and State-Owned Polytechnics as well as other items of governance in Polytechnics.

“The sordid display of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in the appointment process of a new Rector, and the appointment of a Rector in Federal Polytechnic Wannune without following due process were cited as recent examples of these breaches.

Non-review of the contentious and suspended document titled Schemes of Service for Polytechnics. Non-release of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for 2023.

“Intrusion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into the regular functions of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics in the admission of Higher National Diploma students in the Nigerian Polytechnic System.

“Non capturing of the peculiar academic allowance of members for sustained payment in the planned post IPPIS era. Refusal of most state-owned Polytechnics to implement the 35/25% salary review for members and non release of the arrears of same in Federal Polytechnics among others.

“Following these developments and a thorough review by our Union’s 112th NEC meeting, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from December 2nd, 2024 on a two weeks definite strike action in the first instance.

“This shall serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite action going forward.

“We therefore seek the understanding and support of members of the public as we are forced to yet again battle for the soul of Nigeria’s Polytechnic System in this form. We equally hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment in the system so as to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector.”