The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared its intention to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, December 2, 2024, over the Federal Government’s failure to address critical issues affecting polytechnic education.
Speaking during a news briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, Abubakar J. Abdullahi, Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, confirmed the planned industrial action. He explained that the strike was inevitable following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on October 6, 2024.
“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands. The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions, scheduled for December 2nd, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed,” Abdullahi said.
List of Unmet Demands
Abdullahi outlined the union’s demands, which include:
- Immediate release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund.
- Full implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all public polytechnics.
- Payment of accrued arrears, including promotion arrears and CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres.
- Resolution of inadequate funding and unpaid allowances.
Call for Action
The ASUP chairman stressed the importance of addressing these issues to preserve the quality of education in polytechnics. “The survival and quality of the educational system hinge upon the government’s responsiveness,” he stated, adding that a strong education sector is vital for the nation’s future.
ASUP is urging the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue and take decisive steps to resolve these challenges. The union emphasized that the planned strike is a last resort after exhaustive efforts to seek redress.
Potential Impacts
If the strike proceeds, it could paralyze academic activities across polytechnics nationwide, affecting thousands of students and staff. ASUP’s call for action highlights systemic issues that, if left unresolved, could further erode confidence in Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
The union remains resolute, warning that the December 2 strike will hold unless the government shows genuine commitment to addressing their demands.
