by Nurat Uthman
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its planned industrial action following the Federal Government’s withdrawal of its newly introduced service scheme for holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates in government employment.
The polytechnic lecturers said there is no need to embark on a nationwide strike since their demands have been met by the Federal Government regarding the controversial policy, which they argued would further widen the long-standing disparity between HND and BSc holders in the labor market if implemented.
Recall that the Federal Government, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), recently issued a white paper titled “Scheme of Service for Polytechnics,” signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan. A copy of this document was sent to ASUP through the NBTE.
According to ASUP, the document contains many discrepancies and contentious issues that have displeased its members, as they are key stakeholders in polytechnic education.
Consequently, they demanded a halt to its implementation, warning that they would otherwise go on strike nationwide.
To that effect, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum, which ended on Friday, July 19, to the Federal Government, stating that they would proceed with the industrial action if the government insisted on implementing the new policy.
However, the policy has now been withdrawn by the Federal Government after a series of meetings with stakeholders, including ASUP representatives, to review the policy.
As a result, ASUP announced that they would no longer strike over this matter. This resolution was made during ASUP’s NEC meeting on Monday, July 22.
The President of the Union, Shammah Kpanja, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday night.
According to him, ASUP’s latest decision acknowledges that their demands on the new policy have been substantially met. He appreciated the members’ steadfastness in the face of unwarranted provocation, the intervention and inputs of various stakeholders including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff unions, and the students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students.
“We are equally appreciative of the productive intervention of the Minister of Education and the receptive disposition of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE in arriving at these decisions, as well as the media for once again being worthy partners.
“Our union shall, therefore, dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that reflects the aspirations of the sector.”
