Why Poly lecturers are embarking on warning strike, Dec 2nd — ASUP President

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced a two-week warning strike, set to begin on December 2, 2024, in protest of the federal government’s failure to meet longstanding demands. 

This decision follows a National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, where ASUP criticised the government’s negligence in addressing issues crucial to the welfare of polytechnic lecturers and institutions.

President of ASUP, Comrade Kpanja Shammah, stated that the union’s eleven unresolved demands span several administrations, particularly under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. 

These demands, which were initially tabled to the government years ago, remain unmet, despite repeated appeals.

“We are left with no choice but to embark on this strike action. Our demands have not been addressed, and the government continues to renege on its promises,” Kpanja said. 

He noted that the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, urging a review and reversal of policies that contradict the provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other relevant governance instruments.

ASUP has raised concerns over the continuous impunity and disregard for the Polytechnics Act, particularly the unlawful interference of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the functions of polytechnic academic boards. 

One of the key points of contention includes the NBTE’s overreach concerning the admission of Higher National Diploma students, which ASUP argues undermines the autonomy of polytechnic institutions.

Kpanja warned that if these issues were not resolved promptly, the union would consider further action, which could lead to an indefinite strike. 

The union has vowed to continue its fight for the protection of polytechnic education in Nigeria, stressing the need for the federal government to uphold the principles of the Polytechnics Act and other regulatory frameworks.