The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Wednesday suspended its two-month-old nationwide strike, following an agreement reached between the union and the federal government.
In a statement released by the national secretary of publicity of ASUP in Abuja, Mr Abdullahi Yalwa, who said that ASUP suspended the strike in view of the progress made in its discussions with the Federal Government. He further said the suspension of the strike would take effect from Thursday (June 10).
“Following an evaluation of the report indicating the progressive implementation of the elements contained in the memorandum of action signed between our union and the federal government, the union decided to suspend its 65-day industrial action as of June 10, 2021.
“The suspension is for a period of three months to allow the government to complete the execution of the elements contained in the protocol of action signed with the Union from April 27, 2021.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ASUP embarked on a nationwide strike on April 6, to press home its demands.
Mr Yalwa noted that some demands had already been met by the government.
“As part of the efforts communicated by the Federal Ministry of Education, certain elements have been carried out such as the reconstitution and inauguration of the boards of directors and the visiting panels of the federal polytechnics.
“We are led to believe that the release of funds for infrastructure revitalisation and minimum wage arrears is currently being processed.
“Other elements include the ongoing efforts to revise the polytechnic service regime and terms of service, as well as the start of work to address CONTISS 15 migration backlog issues for lower management.
“We also recognise the recent passage of the Bill for the Removal of the Dichotomy Against HND Holders in the Country.
NAN reports that the Federal Government had offered to release N15 million for the revitalisation of polytechnics and monotechnics and will release money for payment of the arrears of minimum wage.
“In taking the decision to suspend the strike, our union became aware of the appeals launched by the government, venerated the traditional stools of the country, the members of the National Assembly, the presidents of the boards of directors of the federal polytechnics and even members of the public, all of whom have shown varying interests in the matter,” he said.
The publicity secretary further explained that ASUP suspended the strike in view of the progress made in its discussions with the Federal Government, and said the suspension is for a period of three months to enable the government to complete the execution of the items demanded.
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