The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike on December 2, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding demands.
Speaking at a news conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, November 26, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, revealed that the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 6, outlining critical issues hindering the progress of polytechnics across the country. The government’s inaction has left the union with no choice but to prepare for a total shutdown of polytechnics nationwide.
Among the union’s key demands are:
- Immediate release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund.
- Implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review for public polytechnic staff.
- Payment of accrued arrears, including those related to the long-standing CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres.
- Settlement of outstanding promotion arrears and allowances.
- Increased funding for polytechnics to address critical resource gaps.
Comrade Abdullahi stressed the importance of the government’s response to avoid disrupting academic activities, emphasizing that the survival of the polytechnic system and the quality of education in Nigeria are at stake.
“We cannot compromise on these pressing issues. A strong education sector is vital to the future of our nation. The government must act decisively to address these challenges,” he stated.
The ASUP chairman urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union and take concrete steps to resolve the identified issues before the December 2 deadline.
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