The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Zone C, which includes the South-West and Kwara State, has criticized the federal government for remaining silent after issuing a 15-day strike ultimatum last week. This ultimatum was aimed at addressing various issues impacting polytechnic education in Nigeria.
During a press briefing at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo on Monday, ASUP Coordinator for Zone C, Comrade Adekunle Masopa, condemned the alleged excessive oversight and interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) regarding student admissions into polytechnics.
Masopa urged union members to prepare for a potential strike if the government fails to respond to their demands by the time the ultimatum expires. He expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of action since the ultimatum was issued, emphasizing that lecturers should not be held accountable if they decide to strike.
The Coordinator criticized the government’s insufficient support for polytechnic education, which he believes plays a vital role in the country’s technological advancement. He reiterated that the union would not stand by while this crucial sector faces collapse.
Among the key issues highlighted by ASUP are:
- The NBTE’s failure to adhere to resolutions reached in July 2024 regarding the contentious reviewed scheme of service.
- The undue oversight and usurpation of powers by the NBTE over the Academic Boards of various institutions concerning admissions to Higher National Diploma programs.
- The non-payment of promotion arrears, which have accrued over three to five years in federal polytechnics.
- Delays in implementing promotions in state polytechnics.
- The non-implementation of the 25/35% consequential salary adjustment, effective from January 2023, particularly in Southwest and Kwara States.
To avert a looming strike, Masopa emphasized the need for the government to fulfill the resolutions from the tripartite meeting held in July 2024. He called for immediate implementation of the salary adjustment in state polytechnics and timely payment of one-year arrears for federal institutions.
Other demands include:
- Payment of all outstanding promotion arrears.
- Settlement of CONTISS 15 migration arrears owed for a decade.
- Establishment of governing councils by the Oyo State government for its polytechnics.
- Disbursement of 2023 NEEDS Assessment intervention funds.
- A call for the NBTE to stop unnecessary interference in student admissions.
Masopa announced that, following directives from the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUP, the union would begin sensitizing its members about the potential strike. He urged the government to urgently address these issues within the 15-day ultimatum to maintain peace and harmony.
The press briefing was attended by chairpersons from both federal and state-owned polytechnics in the Southwest and Kwara States.