ASUP gives FG 15-day ultimatum to suspend NBTE’s scheme of service
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, (ASUP) Zone A has rejected the new scheme of service, (SOS) introduced to Polytechnics by the National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE)
This is as the Union said that the initiative is an intentional move by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and NBTE to sow discord within the Polytechnic sector.
Addressing Journalists during the Zonal Executive Officer’s Meeting of ASUP, beld in Kaduna on Thursday, the Zonal Coordinator, for ASUP, Zone A Dr. Abdulazeez Ibrahim Badaru disclosed that they have given Federal Government 15-day ultimatum to suspend the SOS otherwise the union will not hesitate to embark on a strike action.
Dr. Badaru who also condemned the preferential treatment given to Bachelor degrees over Higher National Diploma, (HND) in the appointment of Registrars and Bursars, stressed that the documents bias against HND undermines progress even as he noted that the Polytechnic should not discriminate against their products.
“The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) released a document titled “‘Schem of Service for Polytechnics” which lacks inclusive stakeholder input, particularly from our union and stakeholders in the polytechnic sector.
“It diverges significantly from a
previously prepared document following extensive consultations and engagements that started since 2012, is seen as an intentional move by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the NBTE to sow discord within the polytechnic sector. The current document is opposed unless all points of contention are addressed.
“The importation of sub-tertiary level qualifications, such as the National SkilIs Qualifications (NSQ), as obligatory prerequisites for the career advancement of academic staff within the polytechnic is deemed laughable.
“The NSQ lacks substantive value in enhancing the delivery of curricula at the tertiary level in polytechnics, serving as an undue burden without corresponding professional development. Consequently, we vehemently reject its inclusion as a mandatory criterion for academic staff career advancement.
“There is a concerning inconsistency in the entry points for Graduate Assistants, with the NBTE document lowering the bar for Bachelor degree holders while disadvantaging HND holders. Equivalent grades such as Second Class Lower and Lower Credit, should be required at the Graduate Assistant level to ensure fairness.
“The preferential treatment given to Bachelor degrees over HND qualification for the appointment of Registrars and Bursars is discriminatory. The document bias against HND holders undermine progress against this unacceptable practice. The Polytechnics should not discriminate against their graduates.
“We wish to stress that we studied the document thoroughly and we are committed to pursuit these issues to their logical conclusions. It is crucial to highlight that we have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government effective from 8th July, 2024 to suspend the implementation of this rough work called scheme of service for the polytechnics or face diverse form of industrial action by our Union.” Badaru, said.
