The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on a series of unresolved issues threatening the nation’s polytechnic education system.
At a press conference held on Thursday at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, Chairman of the ASUP chapter, Mr Monday Ojo, presented the union’s position on behalf of its National President, Mr Shammah Kpanja.
Ojo said the ultimatum followed an emergency meeting of ASUP’s National Executive Council in Abuja, where the union raised concerns over what it described as “disturbing developments” affecting the stability and future of polytechnic education in the country.
According to him, the Federal Government has consistently failed to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the lingering issues despite numerous engagements.
“This has left us with no choice but to issue this ultimatum. Our stand is for the Federal Government to address the issues satisfactorily,” Ojo said.
The union listed among its grievances the non-release of the circular for the implementation of the Peculiar Academic Allowance, unpaid arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent salary reviews, and continued discrimination against holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
ASUP also criticised the delay in the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds and faulted the Federal Ministry of Education for outsourcing quality assurance functions in polytechnics.
Ojo further condemned the failure of several state governments to implement the national minimum wage for polytechnic workers. He added that the Federal Government has continued to stall the renegotiation of the ASUP and FGN 2010 agreement, which has remained unresolved for years.
He expressed concern that many polytechnic lecturers remain demoralised due to unpaid promotion arrears, some dating back to 2019, warning that the situation is eroding morale and affecting productivity across institutions.
The union also denounced alleged interference by security operatives in union activities and expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s reluctance to establish a dedicated National Polytechnic Commission to regulate and promote the sector.
Ojo warned that if the government fails to act within the 21-day window, the union would have no option but to escalate its actions.
“If these issues remain unresolved after 21 days, we may have no option but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide,” he stated.
