Polytechnic lecturers begin warning strike December 2

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has concluded plans to embark on a two-week warning strike from December 2, 2024.

The ASUP President, Kpanja Shammah, made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of the union’s 112th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, November 28.

Shammah said the federal government was yet to implement the 11 items in the agreements entered with ASUP.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government and other relevant agencies.

The ultimatum was for them to immediately review and reverse all decisions inconsistent with provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

The union had also alleged issues of impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

Shammah said: “As of today (Thursday), we can only attest to the resolution of item number four while item number two is ongoing. No tangible effort is being made to resolve the other items.

“To worsen the situation, the beneficiary of the fundamentally flawed Rectorship appointment process in Federal Polytechnic Nekede is currently on a mission to destroy the union in the institution.

Polytechnic lecturers shift planned strike to December 2

“Following these developments, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from December 2 on two weeks’ definite strike action in the first instance.”

The ASUP President said the strike would serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite action going forward.

Shammah, however, listed their grievances to include sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, and different edicts establishing state-owned institutions.

He also cited the appointment of a Rector in Federal Polytechnic, Wannune in Benue State without following due process.

Shammah said others were the non-review of the contentious and suspended document titled “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics”, and the non-release of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for 2023, among others.

The ASUP boss called for the understanding and support of Nigerians, adding that the union was being forced to, yet again, battle for the soul of Nigeria’s Polytechnic System through industrial action.

“We hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union, which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment, so as to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector,” he added.

The Star