ASUP threatens strike over failure to implement agreements
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Zone B has issued a warning to initiate a strike if their demands are not met by the deadline of October 21, 2024.
In a press conference held in Jos, Zone B Coordinator Simji Lumpye expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions within public polytechnics, colleges of technology, and monotechnics.
“Our Union’s National Executive Council met at its 111th NEC to review the current status of our engagements with proprietors of public polytechnics, colleges of technology, and monotechnics in the country,” Lumpye stated. “These issues include but are not limited to the sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act.”
Lumpye emphasized that the meeting highlighted several critical challenges, including “the non-review of the contentious and suspended document titled Scheme of Service for Polytechnics” and “the non-release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds.”
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He also criticized the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for its intrusion into the regular functions of the Academic Boards, stating, “The NBTE’s actions undermine the responsibilities of Academic Boards in the admission processes for Higher National Diploma students.”
The coordinator expressed frustration over the lack of budget allocation for the “peculiar academic allowance” that supports sustained payment for staff in the post-IPPIS era and highlighted that “state governments refuse to implement the 25/35% salary review for members and have not released the arrears.” He further mentioned the issue of “non-payment of promotion arrears” in both state and federal institutions.
The union’s demands include the immediate review of all decisions inconsistent with the provisions of the Polytechnics Act and the cessation of actions undermining the Academic Boards. Lumpye urged, “We call for the immediate commencement of the review process of the suspended document titled Scheme of Service for Polytechnics as agreed in the tripartite meeting of July 2024.”
In addition, ASUP demands the “release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund for public polytechnics,” and the inclusion of negotiated peculiar academic allowances in the budget. They also seek the “immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all tertiary institutions.”
“We will face different forms of trade disputes if our demands are not met,” Lumpye warned, underscoring the urgency for the proprietors to take action to avert a shutdown of the institutions.
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