The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has warned of a possibility of shutting down Polytechnics nationwide by next week, if demands made to the Federal Government are not looked into.
This warning was handed out by the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter of ASUP at a press briefing on Tuesday.
During the briefing, Chairman, Academic Staff OF Polytechnic (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi said that the briefing was an avenue to remind the federal government of its 15-,day ultimatum, which elapses next week on October 22, with the FG foot dragging on addressing their demands.
“I stand before you today with a profound sense of concern as I have distinct privilege of addressing you on behalf of the leadership of our esteemed Union, as well as the thousands of Academic Staff Members it represents. I am here to convey the resolutions reached during the Union’s 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was convened on October 6, 2024 at Abuja.
“Members of our Union across the Nation express significant concern and disappointment regarding the Federal Government’s slow progress and seemingly indifferent approach in addressing the agreements established with our Union, some of which date back to 2010 agreement.
“It is important to emphasize, for the public’s awareness, that these agreements are intended to improve working conditions within our institutions and to create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisitions and research.
“Nevertheless, it is only after exhausting nearly all avenues for amicable resolution of the ongoing issues that the National Executive Council of our Union has decided to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. For clarity, this 15-day period has commenced on October 7, 2024,”. Abdullahi said.
According to ASUP, this decision is a direct result of a review of the Government’s response as indicated by the Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Governing Councils of various Polytechnics, and other agencies regarding the union’s engagements.
“Specifically, the 111th NEC of our Union resolves to demand for immediate review and reversal of all decisions taken by the Government, or the NBTE or Governing Councils, those are inconsistent with the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amended) 2019.
“The commencement, without further delay, of the review process of the suspended document titled “Schemes of Service for Polytechnic 2023” as agreed at the tripartite meeting between our Union, Ministry of Education, and the NBTE held on the July 19, 2024.
“The swift release of the Second Tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention for public Polytechnics and College of Education.
“The cessation of all acts purposely to undermine, duplicate and surrender the responsibilities of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics in students’ admission process to NBTE.
“The inclusion of the negotiated Peculiar Academic Allowance in the Personnel Budget on the post-IPPIS payment template for our members.
“The immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% Salary Review across all public Polytechnics and the payment of the accrued arrears,” the ASUP Chairman said.
He added, “The release and final resolution of the decades-long CONTISS-15 migration arrears for the lower cadre.
“The recommencement and completion of the ASUP versus Federal Government 2010 agreement renegotiation process.
“The immediate release of the reviewed Condition of Service for the Polytechnic sector.
“The immediate implementation of promotion and payment of all accrued promotion arrears in state-Owned Institutions.
“The release of outstanding promotion arrears in Federal Institutions and College of Education”
However, ASUP warned that , at the expiration of the 15-day ultimatum, the Union’s NEC will reconvene to decide a specific and legitimate course and design a next line of action if these issues are not addressed by the government.
The Union also directed all its local chapters and all 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.