The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has warned of a possible nationwide strike if the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government fails to meet its demands within 15 days.
Speaking at a news conference in Kaduna State, Abubakar Abdullahi, ASUP Chairman of Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, highlighted the resolutions from the Union’s 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 6, 2024.
The 15-day ultimatum began on October 7, 2024. “It is important to emphasise, for the public’s 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.”
Abdullahi expressed disappointment over the government’s slow progress in addressing agreements, some dating back to 2010.
It is only after exhausting nearly all avenues for amicable resolution that the NEC of our Union has decided to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government.”
He further stated that the Union had instructed its chapters and zones to prepare for protests and peaceful actions during the ultimatum.
“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.”
The 111th NEC also demanded the review of government actions, NBTE, and polytechnic Governing Councils, which violate the Federal Polytechnics Act of 2019.
Other demands included resolving CONTISS-15 migration arrears, renegotiating the ASUP-FG 2010 agreement, and releasing updated service conditions for polytechnics.
He emphasised the need for immediate promotions and payment of promotion arrears in both state and federal institutions.