ASUP postpones strike, set deadline for govt action

…Defers industrial action to December

…Urge FG to implement agreed action plan on pending issues

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced a postponement of its planned nationwide strike, providing the federal government a two-month window to address pressing concerns within the sector.

The union’s leadership has called on the government to demonstrate genuine commitment to implementing a recently developed action plan that addresses eleven key demands.

In a statement issued by ASUP’s National President, Comrade Kpanja Shammah, the decision to defer the strike was confirmed following a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Education on October 23, 2024.

“The Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened on an emergency basis on October 24 to review the action plan proposed during the meeting with stakeholders.

“After thorough discussions, we resolved to defer our proposed industrial action until December 2, 2024, to assess the government’s commitment to executing the agreed plan,” Shammah stated.

The eleven demands presented by ASUP encompass critical issues such as welfare improvements for academic staff, adherence to existing laws by governing councils of federal polytechnics, infrastructure revitalization, and the resolution of outstanding salary reviews and promotions.

Shammah emphasised the importance of this period for the government to act decisively: “It is our expectation that the government will use this time to diligently implement the action plan regarding each disputed item, or we risk a complete withdrawal of services from academic staff in the Nigeria Polytechnic System.”

The postponement of the strike comes in response to the union’s recognition of ongoing discussions with the government.

ASUP has expressed appreciation for the media and stakeholders who have supported their efforts thus far.