The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone C, has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address critical issues facing polytechnics across the country or face a nationwide strike.
Zone C, which includes the South-West region and Kwara State, has warned that its members will embark on industrial action if the government fails to meet their demands within the given timeframe.
Among the grievances listed by the union is what it describes as undue oversight and interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). ASUP also criticized the government for what it perceives as a lack of support for polytechnic education in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference, Adekunle Masopa, ASUP’s Zone C Coordinator, noted that the NBTE has failed to implement agreements reached with ASUP in July 2024, particularly regarding the contentious reviewed scheme of service.
The union also raised concerns over the NBTE’s alleged usurpation of the powers of Academic Boards in various institutions, particularly in the admission of students into Higher National Diploma (HND) programs. Additionally, ASUP pointed out that the Federal Government has neglected to pay promotion arrears to its members for up to five years in several federal polytechnics.
ASUP has urged its members to prepare for a possible strike if their demands are not met, signaling a potential disruption to polytechnic education across the country.