EDUCATION
Nigerian Polytechnic Lecturers, ASUP, to Begin Nationwide Strike on Monday – Report
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the umbrella body for polytechnic lecturers in Nigeria, has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike. This was revealed by Abubakar J. Abdullahi, the Chairman of ASUP at the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter.
Abdullahi stated that the union intends to shut down all polytechnics across the country starting Monday, December 2, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s failure to meet its members’ demands. He recalled that on October 6, 2024, ASUP issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government, outlining several critical demands aimed at addressing the systemic challenges facing polytechnics. However, Abdullahi noted that the government had not taken the necessary action to resolve these issues.
During a news briefing on Tuesday in Kaduna, Abdullahi highlighted some of the key demands, which include the immediate release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund, the implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review for all public polytechnics, and the payment of accumulated salary arrears.
Other demands include the resolution of the long-standing arrears of CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres, the settlement of promotion arrears, addressing inadequate funding, and resolving issues related to unpaid allowances.
Abdullahi expressed regret that despite the passing of the ultimatum, the government had failed to take action, leaving the union with no choice but to consider a full shutdown of polytechnics by December 2, 2024, unless their concerns are addressed. He emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s educational system depends on the government’s responsiveness to these pressing issues.
He further stressed that a strong and functional education sector is crucial for the nation’s progress and that the union cannot continue to compromise on these critical matters. Abdullahi called on the Nigerian government to engage in meaningful dialogue and take urgent steps to resolve the challenges facing polytechnics.
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