ASUP threatens nationwide shutdown by over unmet demands

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced plans to shut down all polytechnics across Nigeria by December 2, 2024, if the federal government fails to address its critical demands.

The union’s leadership issued a stern warning, emphasizing that without government intervention, polytechnic institutions nationwide will be forced into a complete closure, further escalating an already tense situation in the education sector.

Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter of ASUP, outlined the union’s demands during a press briefing in Kaduna. The union had initially issued a 15-day ultimatum on October 6, 2024, calling for the fulfillment of several long-standing grievances.

Key among these demands are the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund, the implementation of a long-awaited 25/35% salary review for polytechnic staff, and the settlement of arrears related to the CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres.

According to Abdullah, the federal government’s lack of response and failure to meet these demands have left ASUP with no choice but to prepare for a nationwide shutdown. “The silence and inaction from the federal government have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions,” Abdullah stated.

The union leader pointed out that ongoing issues such as inadequate funding, unpaid allowances, and unresolved promotion arrears have severely impacted the functioning of polytechnics in Nigeria.

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Abdullah stressed that these challenges have hindered the growth and progress of polytechnic education, and he warned that the survival of the education sector is at stake without urgent government action.

“For years, the government has failed to adequately fund our institutions, leaving both staff and students in a state of uncertainty. The future of polytechnics is under serious threat, and unless these issues are addressed, the education sector will continue to decline,” Abdullah said.

He also emphasized the importance of polytechnics in the development of skilled professionals who are essential to the nation’s economy. “Polytechnics are at the heart of providing vocational education and training that is critical to the growth of our economy,” he added.

ASUP has urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union in a bid to prevent the looming crisis.

The union reiterated that education should remain a national priority, stressing the need for the government to recognize the significance of resolving the issues plaguing polytechnics to secure the future of students, staff, and institutions alike.

The union’s leadership has vowed to continue pushing for a resolution through peaceful means but warned that the situation is now at a breaking point.

“The government cannot continue to ignore the plight of our members and the educational institutions that shape the future of this country. If nothing is done before the deadline, we will be left with no other option than to withdraw our services entirely,” Abdullah concluded.

The union has expressed concern that without government intervention, the strike action will exacerbate the already strained educational system, ultimately compromising the quality of education and the future of polytechnic graduates.