The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues affecting polytechnic education nationwide.
The ultimatum was announced on Thursday in Lagos by the Chairman of ASUP, Yaba College of Technology, Monday Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the union’s National President, Shammah Kpanja.
According to Ojo, the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting of the union in Abuja, where members expressed concern over “disturbing developments” threatening the stability of the polytechnic sector.
Ojo listed the union’s demands, which include the non-release of the circular for Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears from the 25/35 per cent salary review, and continued discrimination against HND holders.
He further stated, “ASUP also faulted the delay in the release of the second round of NEEDS Assessment intervention and criticised the Federal Ministry of Education for outsourcing quality assurance activities in polytechnics.”
He condemned the Federal Government for stalling the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement, and some state governments for failing to implement the new minimum wage.
The union lamented that many members remain demoralised due to unpaid promotion arrears, with some dating as far back as 2019.
Ojo said, “Our members are demotivated by unpaid promotion arrears, with some dating back to 2019. This situation is unacceptable and worsening morale in institutions.”