ASUP Serves 21-Day Strike Notice Over Unmet Demands — Polytechnic Staff Demand Action
ASUP Issues 21-Day Strike Notice Over Unmet Demands
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of 13 outstanding issues or face a nationwide industrial action across all public polytechnics and monotechnics. This dramatic move emerged from the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, signaling escalating tensions in the tertiary education sector. The Nation Newspaper
In a statement released at the end of the NEC meeting, ASUP President Shammah S. Kpanja warned that failure to act within the stipulated timeframe could trigger a formal trade dispute and the withdrawal of services by union members nationwide. The Nation Newspaper
Among the 13 demands ASUP outlined are: inclusion of the peculiar academic allowance in the NSIWC circular; payment of arrears related to the approved 25/35% salary review, especially in state-owned polytechnics; and releasing the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds. The Nation Newspaper
The union also called for the implementation of promotion arrears and appropriate promotion structures in state institutions; domestication of key provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act by states; and addressing systemic bias against HND holders in public service. Further demands include renegotiation of the ASUP-FGN 2010 agreement and settlement of CONTISS-15 migration arrears. The Nation Newspaper
In a related development, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) criticized the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a loan initiative launched by the Ministry of Education and TETFund, as a mere distraction from substantive, long-standing demands. The Nation Newspaper
ASUP’s ultimatum underscores deep frustration over incomplete fiscal reforms and a lack of institutional accountability. The union’s demands span wages, allowances, policy reforms, and structural governance, each critical to restoring functionality and morale in the polytechnic education system.
With tensions mounting, all eyes are on the Federal Government’s response as the deadline looms. Stakeholders across academia, government, and civil society are watching closely, aware that any breakdown in dialogue could spark major disruptions in education nationwide.
