ASUP Threatens Strike Over Neglect Of Nigerian Polytechnics – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over neglect, administrative sabotage, and sustained injustice against Nigeria’s Polytechnic education sector.

Dr Abdulazeez Badaru, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUP Zone A, made this known on Thursday while addressing a press conference at Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.

He said that, despite repeated engagements, agreements, and ultimatums, governments at all levels had failed to address the existential issues threatening the survival of Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology, and Monotechnics in the country.

Badaru listed the unresolved issues, which include the non-release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance, arrears of the 25/35 percent salary review, and the continued delay in approving the dual mandate for Polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees.

Others, according to him, are the absence of a dedicated Polytechnic Commission, non-payment of promotion arrears, refusal to release the second round of Needs Assessment intervention, and outsourcing of quality assurance responsibilities by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“The union also laments the non-renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement, persistent discrimination against HND holders in public service, unresolved CONTISS 15 arrears since 2014, and intimidation and victimization of union leaders in some institutions,” he said.

Badaru also expressed dismay over the conduct at the Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, stating that no staff promotions had been implemented since its establishment over 15 years ago.

“The consistent refusal of the government to implement agreements, release owed entitlements, and respect the rights of workers is nothing but a calculated attempt to destroy the Polytechnic system.

“ Our patience has been stretched beyond limits. The 16 days of our 21-day ultimatum have elapsed without meaningful response.

“At the expiration, Zone A will fully mobilize alongside our national body for a total withdrawal of services across all Polytechnics and Monotechnics in the country,” he said.

Badaru urged the government to act swiftly to avert a crisis that, adding that it could cripple the already fragile education sector.

“We shall not fold our arms while our members are subjected to stagnation, demoralization, and dehumanization.

“The time for government to choose between justice and chaos is now,” he threatened.