ASUP Suspends Planned Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has shelved its planned strike over the newly introduced scheme of service for polytechnics after its grievances were resolved.

In a statement issued on Monday, ASUP explained that its decision to suspend the planned industrial action was a result of discussions with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

Recall that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) introduced new schemes of service for Nigerian Polytechnics on June 19, 2024, which were approved by the Federal Government and took effect from June 7, 2024.

However, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics opposed these new schemes, claiming they were developed without sufficient input from all stakeholders, especially from the union and other stakeholders within the polytechnic sector.

In light of these concerns, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 8, 2024, urging them to halt the implementation of the new scheme of work or risk facing various forms of industrial action from the union’s members.

In a statement following its National Executive Council meeting, the union clarified that the 15-day ultimatum was intended to give the government enough time to address our concerns or risk facing various forms of industrial action from our members.

“Within the 15-day period, however, our union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 July, where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed document be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of our Union.

“The NBTE immediately suspended the document through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of our institutions on the same day. Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on 22 July to review our earlier position.

“The NEC therefore resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the Union have been met substantially. We appreciate our members’ steadfastness in the face of the unearned provocation; the intervention and inputs of different stakeholders, including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff Unions, and the students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students.

“Our union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector,” the union said.