ASUP Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced plans to shut down polytechnics across Nigeria starting December 2, 2024, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address its demands.

Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, made this known during a news briefing on Tuesday in Kaduna. He revealed that the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum on October 6, 2024, to the Federal Government, highlighting critical issues affecting the progress and quality of polytechnic education. However, the government has yet to respond or take necessary actions.

Key demands from the union include the immediate release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, the implementation of a 25/35% salary review for public polytechnics, and the settlement of accrued salary arrears. Additionally, ASUP is calling for the resolution of long-standing arrears related to CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres, outstanding promotion arrears, and issues surrounding unpaid allowances and inadequate funding.

“Despite the expiration of our ultimatum, we are yet to witness any concrete steps from the Federal Government to address these critical demands,” Abdullahi stated. He warned that the union has no choice but to proceed with a total shutdown of all polytechnics if the government remains unresponsive.

Abdullahi stressed the importance of government intervention to preserve the quality and sustainability of the education system, emphasizing that a robust education sector is vital for Nigeria’s future. He called on the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue and take decisive actions to address the union’s concerns immediately.

“The survival of the polytechnic system and the future of education in this country depend on the government’s willingness to prioritize these issues. We can no longer compromise on matters that are crucial to the sector’s development,” Abdullahi concluded.