The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s continued failure to pay outstanding promotion arrears owed to polytechnic workers across the country. The union warned that the prolonged delays have deepened frustration within the sector and contributed to worsening morale among non-teaching staff.
The association also lamented the escalating insecurity, rising economic hardship, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare nationwide. It stated that the conditions under which polytechnic employees operate have become increasingly difficult, demanding immediate government intervention to avert further decline.
These concerns were presented by the National President of SSANIP, Philip Ogunsipe, during the union’s 78th General Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja. The gathering brought together national officers, zonal leaders, and delegates to deliberate on urgent challenges facing the polytechnic system.
In his address, Ogunsipe condemned what he described as the government’s “prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector.” He also faulted the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, which he said has dragged on despite repeated assurances from federal officials.
The union president further highlighted the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds, which were earmarked for infrastructural development in polytechnics. He stressed that many institutions continue to grapple with inadequate facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and poor maintenance because of inconsistent government funding.
Ogunsipe also criticised the National Board for Technical Education for what he termed the “unilateral submission” of the reviewed Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education. He said the action amounted to a breach of trust and a deviation from the procedures earlier agreed upon with labour unions involved in the review process.
According to him, several categories of arrears remain unpaid, including promotion arrears, 25% and 35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage. He warned that such outstanding obligations are placing avoidable pressure on workers already dealing with soaring living costs.
The union leader made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and address the grievances of non-academic polytechnic staff. He cautioned that continued government neglect may spark industrial unrest, with possible disruptions to academic and administrative activities in polytechnics.
Also speaking at the meeting, the National Secretary of SSANIP, Nura Gaya, urged the Federal Government to act decisively in addressing the challenges confronting non-teaching staff. He encouraged workers to remain focused on their duties despite the financial and operational hardships they currently face.
On his part, the National Trustee of the union, Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to sustain high performance standards while urging labour unions in the sector to remain united in the pursuit of better welfare and improved working conditions. He said solidarity remains crucial in achieving meaningful progress.
The leadership emphasised that SSANIP continues to advocate improved welfare and favourable conditions of service for its members, many of whom feel neglected in the broader educational and labour policy reforms. They argued that polytechnic staff deserve equal attention and benefits as their counterparts in universities and other tertiary institutions.
As the meeting concluded, the union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government authorities but insisted that immediate action is needed to prevent frustration from escalating into labour disputes. SSANIP leaders noted that resolving the outstanding issues would strengthen the polytechnic system and enhance national development goals.
