The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is preparing to embark on a strike over a newly introduced service scheme governing the polytechnic sector.
In June, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) introduced a scheme aimed at standardizing staff recruitment and promotion across polytechnics.
According to the NBTE, this scheme would serve as an accreditation tool for both old and new institutions, ensuring regulatory compliance. It was also intended to curb the influx of unqualified academic staff from universities into polytechnics.
However, the scheme has sparked disagreement within the polytechnic sector. Key concerns include the delayed engagement with stakeholders and the non-release of a stakeholder-approved condition of service for polytechnics.
There are also claims that the scheme’s provisions are inconsistent with the Federal Polytechnic Act and the laws establishing state-owned institutions, particularly regarding the appointment of principal officers.
Additional concerns have been raised over the delayed implementation of a 35/25 percent salary review for state-owned polytechnics and the release of salary arrears for federal polytechnics. ASUP is also demanding the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund and the inclusion of academic allowances.
The union had given the federal government a 15-day ultimatum, which is set to expire on October 23. ASUP has threatened to go on strike if the government fails to address the issues surrounding the scheme or withdraw it altogether.
Iloma Richard, the ASUP Zone D coordinator in Port Harcourt, expressed dissatisfaction with the NBTE’s failure to review the contentious guidelines. He noted that more lecturers have backed the ASUP national executive council’s (NEC) decision to mobilize members for a potential strike.
“As I speak, no progress has been made in this direction due to the obvious reluctance of NBTE,” Richard stated.
He further criticized the government’s attitude toward other welfare needs of the union’s members, warning that, “We shall not hesitate to swiftly mobilize our members from all chapters in the zone if, upon the expiration of the ultimatum, NEC directs any form of industrial action.”
