The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has warned it may embark on a nationwide strike over unpaid allowances and unfulfilled agreements, accusing the government of neglect and administrative sabotage.
ASUP Zonal Coordinator (Zone A), Dr. Abdul’Azeez Badaru, issued the warning on Thursday during a press briefing at Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.
He said the strike would cripple academic activities in polytechnics, colleges of technology and monotechnics across Nigeria unless urgent action was taken.
According to him, unresolved issues include the non-release of Peculiar Academic Allowances, arrears from the 25/35 per cent salary review, delays in approving the dual mandate for polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees, and the absence of a dedicated Polytechnic Commission.
He also cited non-payment of promotion arrears, refusal to release the second tranche of Needs Assessment funds, outsourcing of quality assurance by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), failure to renegotiate the 2010 ASUP/Federal Government Agreement, persistent discrimination against HND holders, unresolved CONTISS 15 arrears since 2014, and intimidation of union leaders.
Badaru highlighted the situation at Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, where, according to him, no staff promotions have taken place since its establishment over 15 years ago.
“The consistent refusal of the government to implement agreements, release owed entitlements and respect the rights of workers is nothing but a calculated attempt to destroy the polytechnic system,” he declared.
He revealed that 16 days of ASUP’s 21-day ultimatum had already elapsed without any meaningful response from authorities. “At the expiration, Zone A will fully mobilise alongside our national body for a total withdrawal of services,” he warned.
He urged the government to act swiftly to avert what he called an avoidable crisis.
“We shall not fold our arms while our members are subjected to stagnation, demoralisation and dehumanisation. The time for the government to choose between justice and chaos is now,” he said.
