ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has expressed displeasure over the incessant abductions of staff and students across educational institutions and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens caused by the state of security across the country.
This formed part of the communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council which held at Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, which was signed by ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Yelwa, and made available to our correspondent in Bauchi.
“NEC observed with displeasure the horrendous state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens as amplified by the incessant abduction of staff and students across educational institutions in the country.
“NEC noted with disappointment the insensitivity of governments at all levels over increase in prices of food-stuff and other essential commodities, and the excruciating pains this has brought to the lives of Nigerians.
“NEC frowned at the deplorable condition of roads in parts of the country which serves as major source of road accidents and provides a favourable atmosphere for kidnappers in the country,” the communique stated.
The union noted sadly, the lingering disparity in the implementation of policies between Federal and State-owned Polytechnics/Monotechnics pointing out that this has adversely affected the uniformity of standards among these institutions.
The communique, further, stated that the NEC commended the federal government for approving the N15 billion revitalisation fund for Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.
ASUP commended the Senate for the speedy passage of the bill for the removal of dichotomy between HND and Degree holders, while urging the House of Representatives to concur with the resolution of the Upper Chamber.
The union, therefore, called on government at all levels to take proactive steps towards addressing the deteriorating security and work towards bringing down the high prices of food stuff among other resolutions.
The communique stated: “NEC on government at all levels to address the terrible state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens, amplified by attacks on staff and students across all strata of education in the country.
“NEC calls on the government to do the needful to bring down prices of food-stuff and other essential items by putting in place strategies to support local production, through revitalization of industries and more robust soft loans for Nigerians interested in farming and other legitimate business.
“NEC calls on government at all levels to address the deplorable condition of roads in some parts of the country by fixing the bad roads and opening up new roads to network the communities across the country.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to settle the 10 months arrears of the national minimum wage in Federal Polytechnics, to avoid further devaluation of the money; and that all State governments yet to implement the minimum wages as well non-payment of arrears should without further delay.”
The union also urged state governments to desist from using any tactics to avert or undermine the financial autonomy of the Local Government Councils.
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