The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement agreements aimed at improving members’ working conditions or face nationwide industrial action.
Speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, ASUP Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, informed union members of the resolutions reached during the Union’s 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 6, 2024, in Abuja.
According to the union, the 15-day period commenced on October 7, 2024, and at the expiration of this ultimatum, the NEC will reconvene to decide on a specific course of action.
He expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s slow progress and seeming indifferent approach to addressing the agreements reached with ASUP.
Members across the nation shared significant concern regarding the Federal Government’s inaction, with some agreements dating back to 2010.
“It is important to emphasize, for the public’s awareness, that these agreements are intended to improve working conditions within our institutions and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisition, and research.”
“It is only after exhausting nearly all avenues for amicable resolution that the NEC of our Union has decided to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. This 15-day period commenced on October 7, 2024.
“The Union has directed all its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this period, while hoping that the Federal Government will utilize the 15-day window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of all polytechnics across the nation,” he said.
He stated that the decision is a direct result of a review of the government’s response, as indicated by the Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Governing Councils of various polytechnics regarding the Union’s engagements.
Specifically, the 111th NEC resolved to demand an immediate review and reversal of all decisions made by the Government, NBTE, or Governing Councils that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amended) 2019.
Other demands include the release and final resolution of the decades-long CONTISS-15 migration arrears for lower cadre staff, the recommencement and completion of the ASUP versus Federal Government 2010 agreement renegotiation process, and the immediate release of the reviewed conditions of service for the polytechnic sector, among others.
He called for the immediate implementation of promotions and payment of all accrued promotion arrears in state-owned institutions, as well as the release of outstanding promotion arrears in federal institutions and colleges of education.
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