Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has temporarily shelved its planned nationwide strike following encouraging efforts by the Federal Government to address lingering grievances.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, confirmed the suspension of the strike action, which had been set in motion after the union handed the government a 21-day ultimatum on August 15.
The union had raised concerns over several unresolved matters, including backlog of unpaid salaries, delayed implementation of the 25% and 35% salary increases, non-payment of promotion arrears, and the stalled renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN agreement.
Kpanja explained that the decision to put the strike on hold came after ASUP’s 115th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held on October 9, during which members assessed the federal government’s response to their ultimatum.
“The union acknowledges progress on several fronts, including the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on Peculiar Academic Allowances,” he said.
He also pointed to visible progress in the 2025 cycle of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and the resumed meetings of the Polytechnic Implementation Monitoring Committee.
According to the ASUP president, the union welcomed the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to now include representatives from the polytechnic sector.
Kpanja further commended the Federal Ministry of Education for tackling specific issues at Federal Polytechnics in Nekede and Ekowe.
He added that ASUP was encouraged by renewed efforts to clear the arrears of the 25% and 35% salary adjustments as well as outstanding promotion arrears owed to staff.
“Consequently, our NEC resolved to put on hold the proposed strike to give government more time to conclude ongoing actions,” Kpanja said.
However, he noted that the union would re-evaluate the situation in six weeks to measure the government’s commitment and implementation of agreed actions.
Kpanja also praised the Minister of Education, the Minister of State for Education, and ministry officials for their engagement and willingness to resolve the union’s concerns.
NAN
