ASUP Issues 21-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Unattended Demands
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address a series of long-standing grievances or face a nationwide strike that could paralyze academic activities in public polytechnics and monotechnics.
The ultimatum was issued after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where members reviewed the state of negotiations with the government and expressed frustration over what they described as repeated delays and neglect of agreed resolutions.
ASUP’s demands include the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to facilitate the payment of a peculiar academic allowance agreed upon in the 2010 ASUP-Federal Government pact.
The union also accused the government of failing to pay arrears arising from the 25% and 35% salary review, with many state-owned institutions yet to implement the adjustments.
Other unresolved issues cited by the union include the absence of a dual mandate structure for polytechnics, non-release of the second round of NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, delays in establishing a dedicated regulatory commission for the polytechnic sector, and continued marginalization of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in public service roles.
ASUP also decried the lack of domestication of the Federal Polytechnics Act by many state institutions and the withholding of CONTISS 15 arrears.
The union further raised concerns over what it termed “campus militarization” at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, and interference in union activities, which it says contravenes labour rights.
ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, criticized the Federal Ministry of Education for failing to reconvene the Rapid Response Committee — a joint platform meant to tackle sectoral issues — despite repeated reminders.
“This ultimatum is not issued lightly,” Kpanja said. “If the government fails to engage us in genuine dialogue or to honour existing agreements within 21 days, we will have no choice but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw our services nationwide.”
Polytechnics and monotechnics remain a critical pillar in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system. Observers warn that a prolonged strike could disrupt academic calendars, delay graduation timelines, and weaken ongoing efforts to boost skilled manpower development in the country.
