Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has renewed its push for clearer policy direction in Nigeria’s polytechnic education system, calling on the Federal Government to establish a National Commission for Polytechnics that would strengthen regulation and boost the sector’s competitiveness.
ASUP President, Comrade Shammah S. Kpanja, made the appeal in Jos, Plateau State, at the opening of the union’s 18th National Delegates Conference with the theme, “ Migrating from Trade Unionism to Management: Harnessing the Benefits in Role Changes for the Next Phase of the Struggle. ”
Kpanja noted that polytechnics remain the only component of the tertiary education system without a dedicated regulatory body, unlike universities and colleges of education. He said the structural gap continues to weaken standard-setting, funding and long-term planning in the sector.
“Among the three legs of tertiary institutions, the universities have the NUC and the Colleges of Education have the NCCE, but the polytechnics are the only sector without a dedicated commission.
“The academic side of the polytechnics is facing a lot of challenges, and these challenges can be categorized into two: those that have to do with the sector and those that have to do with the welfare of our members”. He stated.
He explained that many of these challenges persist because the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) supervises polytechnics alongside numerous technical and vocational institutions, resulting in an overstretched mandate.
Kpanja also urged the government to end the longstanding discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, describing the dichotomy as a major disincentive for young people considering technical and vocational career paths. He said polytechnic graduates undergo rigorous academic and practical training but often face unfair limitations in career progression.
He stressed that a strong regulatory framework would empower capable polytechnics to run dual-mode programmes, including Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, thereby addressing the root causes of the HND–BSc divide.
On staff welfare, the ASUP President decried the continued use of the 2010 Consolidated Polytechnic Academic Salary Structure (CONPCASS) in several institutions, noting that inflation has eroded the purchasing power of academic staff. He urged both the Federal Government and state governments to implement the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards and clear outstanding arrears.
Reflecting on the conference theme, Kpanja said recent reforms mandating that Rectors be appointed from within the system should strengthen institutional leadership. But he cautioned former union leaders who transition into management roles to remain sensitive to the needs of staff.
“If you were a chairman of ASUP and you become Rector, you should not be a thorn in the flesh of your own staff. Even as Heads of Department, Deans of School or Examinations Officers, you remain leaders expected to contribute to the development of the institution.” He emphasized.
Declaring the conference open, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, commended ASUP for its commitment to constructive dialogue.
He described the theme as forward-looking, noting that modern labour leadership must combine advocacy with innovation, collaboration and management competence.
“The modern labour leader must be both an advocate and an administrator; both a voice for fairness and a partner in organisational growth,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a public service driven by merit, efficiency and worker welfare.
Earlier, Former ASUP President, Comrade Chibuzor Asomugha, described the National Delegates Conference as a “rite of passage and regeneration,” where the union sets its policy path for the next two years.
He urged delegates to approach their deliberations with unity and seriousness, stressing that the polytechnic sector faces challenges that demand clear and decisive action.
Also speaking, Mr. Moses Titus, who represented the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, reaffirmed the Board’s partnership with ASUP.
He said the transition from unionism to management should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen governance within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, highlighting ongoing reforms such as digitalisation, skills qualification requirements, and technology-driven degree pathways.
The conference drew union leaders, government representatives, academic delegates, and stakeholders from across the country who gathered in Jos to reflect on emerging issues and expectations for the next phase of ASUP’s engagement.
