The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), has commenced an indefinite strike nationwide, over the sorry state of the polytechnics and federal Government’s failure to respond to series of letters from the Union.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President ASUP, Anderson Ezeibe, said the decision to withdraw services was reached at the Union’s 99th National Executive Council (NEC), which was held in Katsina State a forthnight ago.
Some of the issues under contention were; non implementation of NEEDS assessment report of 2014 nor release of any revitalization fund despite assurances since 2017, non reconstitution of governing councils, non release of 10 months arrears of minimum wage, non payment of salaries in some state polytechnics.
Others are continued victimization of union officials, non establishment of a commission to bridge regulatory gaps in the sector, non implementation of the approved 65 years retirement age by some state governments, claims of purported tax liabilities, opaque operations in the deployment of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Also under contention were non release of arrears of promotion, renewed attempts to insert “offensive” provisions in the scheme of service and conditions of service, and alleged plans to force ASUP members in some monotechnics out of the union.
While noting that the 15 day ultimatum issued to the federal government since March 2020 has long expired, he explained that the union decided to give the government enough time to address the issues raised, and to also help its students.
Ezeibe however lamented that government perceived its decision as a sign of weakness, adding that new issues of concern has developed as a result of governments negligence to the polytechnic sector.
He said: “Today therefore marks day 1 of the execution of the resolutions of our union as already, academic activities have been shut down in all programmes run in polytechnics and like institutions across the nation effective 00.00 hrs of 6th April, 2021.”
“These issues as communicated to the government represent issues of industrial conflict in the sector with some assuming intractable dimensions and robbing the sector of the desired impact in the nation’s quest for technological development.
“We therefore appeal to the Nigerian public to show understanding and support the effort of our union in this direction as government is yet to demonstrate any seriousness in resolving the issues as listed.”
