The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of long-standing issues affecting the polytechnic sector. The ultimatum, set to begin on October 7, 2024, and end on October 25, 2024, could lead to an industrial strike if the government fails to meet the union’s demands.
ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, announced the decision on Thursday, October 3, 2024, during a press briefing in Abuja following the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. He emphasized that unresolved matters such as violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act, delayed payment of academic staff allowances, and the lack of review of service schemes are causing significant unrest within the polytechnic system.
Kpanja stated, “We are giving the government 15 days to resolve these critical issues. Failure to act will lead to industrial action, including protests and a nationwide withdrawal of services.”
Key concerns raised by ASUP include the government’s failure to release the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, interference by the National Board for Technical Education in admissions, and unpaid arrears under the CONTISS 15 Migration for lower-cadre staff.
Kpanja warned that if these issues are not addressed within the given period, ASUP would “mobilize its members for industrial action, protests, and other peaceful actions.”
The union urged local chapters and zonal leaders to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other actions aimed at ensuring the government addresses the sector’s needs and averts a potential shutdown of polytechnic institutions nationwide.
