ASUP ISSUES 21-DAY ULTIMATUM TO FG OVER POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION CRISIS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues undermining the growth and stability of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
The ultimatum was announced on Thursday in Lagos by the ASUP Chairman of Yaba College of Technology, Mr. Monday Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the union’s National President, Mr. Shammah Kpanja.
According to Ojo, the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja where the union reviewed what it described as “disturbing developments” threatening the polytechnic sector.
He listed key grievances, including the non-release of the circular for Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears from the 25/35 per cent salary review, and persistent discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.
Other issues raised were the delay in releasing the second round of NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, the outsourcing of quality assurance functions by the Federal Ministry of Education, and the failure of some state governments to implement the new minimum wage.
Ojo also accused the government of stalling the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement, adding that unpaid promotion arrears some dating back to 2019 had demoralised members.
“Our members are demotivated, and this situation is unacceptable. If these issues remain unresolved after 21 days, we may have no choice but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide,” he warned.
ASUP further condemned alleged unlawful disruption of union activities by security agents and criticised the government for failing to establish a dedicated polytechnic commission.
Also speaking, ASUP Zone C Coordinator, Mr. Masopa Nurudeen, lamented that lecturers were struggling to survive on inadequate salaries.
“Many of our members are facing severe financial difficulties and are forced to take on extra tasks just to cope with the current economic hardship,” he said.
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