- The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics will begin a two-week warning strike on December 2 due to unmet government demands
- ASUP President Kpanja Shammah criticized the government’s lack of commitment and warned of escalated action if their 11 key issues remain unresolved
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has reaffirmed its decision to embark on a two-week warning strike starting December 2, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands.
ASUP President Kpanja Shammah disclosed this during a press briefing held after the union’s 112th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Shammah, the government has yet to fulfil the 11 items outlined in the agreement reached with ASUP. Despite issuing a 15-day ultimatum, the union claims minimal progress has been made, with only one issue resolved and another ongoing.
Key demands include:
- Reversal of inconsistent decisions with the provisions of the Polytechnics Act and governance instruments.
- Addressing alleged impunity and disregard for legal provisions in the sub-sector.
- Resolving issues related to the appointment of rectors, particularly the controversial appointment at Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, and concerns at Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
Shammah criticized the government’s lack of commitment and warned of escalated action if their demands were unmet.
“Following these developments, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from December 2. This two-week action is a warning to the government to resolve these issues or face an indefinite strike,” he stated.
The ASUP president also raised concerns about attempts to undermine the union, particularly at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, which he described as a “flawed rectorship appointment process.”
The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities across polytechnics nationwide, putting further pressure on the government to address the lingering issues.
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