The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, warning of a potential nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna State, Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, outlined the union’s position following the 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which took place on October 6, 2024.
The ultimatum, which began on October 7, 2024, reflects ASUP’s frustration over the government’s failure to address long-standing agreements, some of which have been pending since 2010.
Abdullahi emphasized that the demands aim to improve the working conditions in polytechnics and create a better environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisition, and research. He expressed disappointment over the slow progress by the government in resolving these critical issues.
Abdullahi explained, “It is important to emphasize, for public awareness, that these agreements are intended to improve working conditions within our institutions and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisition, and research.”
He stressed that the union has exhausted almost all avenues for an amicable resolution and that issuing the 15-day ultimatum was a last resort after years of delays and unfulfilled promises.
As part of the union’s strategy during the ultimatum period, ASUP has directed its chapters and zones across the country to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions. These activities are intended to raise public awareness and pressure the government to act.
“The union has directed all its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this period, while hoping that the Federal Government will utilize the 15-day window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of all polytechnics across the nation,” Abdullahi stated.
The union’s key demands include addressing actions by the government, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and polytechnic Governing Councils that violate the Federal Polytechnics Act of 2019.
Additionally, ASUP is calling for the resolution of issues surrounding the migration arrears for CONTISS-15, the renegotiation of the ASUP-FG 2010 agreement, and the release of updated service conditions for polytechnic staff.
Abdullahi also highlighted the need for immediate promotions and the payment of promotion arrears for both state and federal polytechnic staff. He stressed that these long-overdue reforms are essential for improving the morale and working conditions of polytechnic staff, which in turn would enhance the quality of education in these institutions.
ASUP has made it clear that failure to meet these demands within the 15-day window could result in a complete shutdown of polytechnics nationwide, a move that would severely impact students and the education sector as a whole.
The union hopes that the government will take the necessary steps to resolve these issues before the deadline to avoid further disruptions in the country’s polytechnic system.
