Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone C (South-West), has threatened a nationwide strike, citing persistent neglect of polytechnic education and staff welfare by the Federal Government and state authorities.
The union accused both tiers of government of failing to honor agreements, exacerbating challenges in the sector.
At a press conference held on Wednesday at Gate Way (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, Zone C Coordinator Mr. Masopa Nurudeen voiced the union’s frustration.
“The current state of affairs is unacceptable,” Nurudeen declared, outlining 13 critical grievances, including unpaid lecturers’ allowances, delayed promotions, and inadequate funding for infrastructure.
Nurudeen pointed to the stalled implementation of reforms outlined in the Federal Ministry of Education’s approved roadmap.
“Central to our demands is the unresolved Peculiar Academic Allowance, a key component of the 2010 ASUP/FGN agreement.
Without proper documentation from relevant agencies, its continuity remains uncertain,” he stated.
He also criticized the Federal Ministry of Education for allegedly allowing the outsourcing of accreditation personnel, which he claimed undermines quality assurance, fosters corruption, and places undue financial strain on polytechnics.
“This practice compromises standards and burdens institutions unnecessarily,” Nurudeen said.
Among other concerns, Nurudeen highlighted the non-payment of 12 months’ arrears for consequential salary adjustments.
“Many staff have been unfairly deprived despite government commitments,” he lamented.
He also condemned the delay in releasing the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund, noting that “poor facilities continue to hinder learning and research, yet funds to address this remain withheld.”
The union expressed dismay over the failure to implement the 2019 Federal Polytechnic Act in state-owned polytechnics, leaving staff vulnerable to forced retirements and administrative injustices.
Nurudeen also raised concerns about the lingering Higher National Diploma (HND)/Bachelor’s Degree dichotomy, noting that President Bola Tinubu has yet to sign a bill passed by the National Assembly to resolve it.
Further grievances include the non-payment of CONTISS 15 arrears for over a decade and delays in promotion arrears by some state governments.
Specifically, Nurudeen called out the Oyo State Government for failing to appoint substantive principal officers at Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.
“Four years of acting leadership is detrimental to institutional growth,” he asserted.
Nurudeen also decried the alleged militarization of some campuses, claiming armed operatives are being used to intimidate ASUP members.
He expressed concern over the stalled renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP/FGN agreement, stating, “Fifteen years without a review reflects the government’s disregard for collective bargaining.”
The union, further, criticized the Federal Ministry of Education for abandoning the Rapid Response Committee mechanism.
“Reviving these meetings could prevent industrial disputes and foster dialogue,” Nurudeen suggested.
Warning of potential industrial action, Nurudeen stated, “If these issues remain unresolved, ASUP will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike. We cannot continue working under these conditions.”
The union urged the government to act swiftly to address their demands and avert disruptions in polytechnic education. (NAN)
