THE Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to resolve various issues hindering the smooth operations of polytechnics and mono-technics in the country, warning of a potential prolonged industrial action.
Speaking to journalists at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone B, Lumpye Simji, stated that during the union’s last national executive council meeting, the current state of engagements with public polytechnic and mono-technic proprietors was reviewed, particularly concerning critical issues affecting the sector.
Among the key concerns are ongoing reports of impunity and disregard for the Federal Polytechnics Act and state edicts establishing these institutions, especially regarding the appointment of principal officers and governance in federal and state-owned polytechnics.
Additional issues include the stalled review of the contentious and suspended Scheme of Service for Polytechnics, the non-release of conditions of service, the withholding of the second tranche of the needs assessment intervention funds, and other related matters.
Other grievances include the refusal of state governments to implement the 25/35% salary review for members, along with the non-payment of arrears in federal polytechnics, and the failure to pay promotion arrears in both federal and state institutions.
The union has called for an immediate review and reversal of all decisions or acts of impunity that violate the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments.
It also demanded the immediate recommencement of the review process for the suspended Scheme of Service for Polytechnics, as agreed in the tripartite meeting of July 2024.
Other resolutions include the release of the second tranche of the needs assessment intervention fund for public polytechnics, halting actions that undermine the role of academic boards in student admissions, incorporating negotiated peculiar academic allowances into the post-IPPIS payment scheme, and implementing the approved 25/35% salary review along with the payment of arrears in all affected institutions.
In light of these demands, the union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a functional polytechnic and mono-technic education system.
It then issued a 15-day ultimatum as required by law which commenced on the 7th of October, 2024 to proprietors of public polytechnics for the items to be addressed or face different forms of trade disputes.
