By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
The Executive Officers of the Zone A of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, (ASUP) have declared their support for the 15-day ultimatum given to federal government by the National leadership of the Union to meet their demands or face total down tools.
Rising from their meeting in Dutse, Jigawa state on Monday, the Zone, which comprises polytechnics from northwestern states and Niger states, in a communique called on the federal government to meet their demands, failure of which the Union would resume it’s suspended indefinite strike.
Signed by ASUP Zonal Co-ordinator, Dr. Abdulazeeze Ibrahim Badaru, reading from the communique said, the meeting reviewed the prevailing challenges confronting public polytechnics within its jurisdiction and nationwide.
The communique expressed the union’ s deep concern about the continued neglect of critical issues that impact the functionality of polytechnic education and the well-being of the workers.
“After reviewing the situation and the government’s continued indifference to these critical issues, the Zonal Executive Officers have resolved to strongly buttress the position of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the matters
“We demand the immediate commencement of the review of the suspended 2023 Scheme of Service as agreed during the tripartite meeting.
“We ask that the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds must be released without further delay to restore learning infrastructure in our polytechnics.
“We call for the immediate cessation of NBTE’s interference in admission processes with a return of these responsibilities to the Academic Boards.
“Furthermore, the 25/35% salary review must be implemented across all state-owned-polytechnics,and arrears must be paid to affected members.
“Similarly, the Union demands the urgent settlement of CONTISS 15 migration arrears and outstanding promotion arrears in federal polytechnics, alongside the
implementation of due promotions in state-owned institution.
“We demand the immediate inclusion of the negotiated Peculiar Academic Allowance in the budget.
“In line with our mission to safeguard the integrity of polytechnic education, the National Executive Council, (NEC) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the proprietors of polytechnics starting
from today, October 7, 2024.
“Failure to meet the demands of the Union within the stipulated period will result in various forms of industrial actions, including but not limited to the withdrawal of services by our members.
“Our Chapter leaderships are hereby instructed to mobilize members through congresses, through protests, and media engagements during the ultimatum period.
“We hope that the government will use this window to address the concerns of our unionand avert the imminent crisis facing the polytechnic sector.
“It is our firm belief that these demands are not just in the interest of our members but also in the broader interest of ensuring a functional and competitive polytechnic education system in Nigeria and the world over.”
