The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced the suspension of its planned industrial action.
The aggrieved lecturers in response to the new scheme of work, had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government, starting on 8 July, to suspend its implementation or face various forms of industrial action by the union.
In a statement following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the union clarified that the ultimatum aimed to give the government sufficient time to address their grievances or face diverse forms of industrial action by its members.
During the 15-day period, the union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 July.
At the meeting, it was agreed to suspend the implementation of the controversial document and initiate a review process in line with the union’s demands.
The NBTE immediately suspended the document through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of the institutions on the same day. Subsequently, the union’s NEC held an emergency meeting on 22 July to reassess their stance.
The NEC resolved to suspend the planned industrial action, acknowledging that the union’s demands had been substantially met.
The union expressed gratitude to its members for their steadfastness amid the provocation and to the various stakeholders, including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff unions, and students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students, for their interventions and support.
The union stated that it would now focus its efforts on the upcoming review exercise to produce a document that truly reflects the aspirations of the sector.
The statement said, “The NEC therefore resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the Union have been met substantially.
“We appreciate our members’ steadfastness in the face of the unearned provocation; the intervention and inputs of different stakeholders, including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff Unions, and the students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students.
“Our union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector.”
