ASUP mobilizes lecturers as strike ultimatum expires

The 15-day deadline set by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) for the Federal Government to fulfill its demands is approaching its conclusion on October 23. The union has threatened to initiate a strike if the government does not address the contentious new service scheme for polytechnic lecturers nationwide.

As the deadline nears, a growing number of lecturers have voiced their support for the ASUP National Executive Council’s decision to mobilize members for a potential withdrawal of services after the ultimatum expires. Dr. Iloma Richard, the ASUP Zone D Coordinator, informed the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the government has yet to tackle the unresolved issues concerning the new guidelines.

Richard noted that ASUP had previously suspended a planned industrial action on July 22 after the Federal Government intervened, instructing the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to review the disputed guidelines. “The strike was put on hold to foster an environment conducive to resolving all contentious matters through stakeholder engagement,” he explained. “Unfortunately, there has been no progress, largely due to the NBTE’s apparent reluctance.”

He also expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of attention to other welfare concerns affecting union members. The union leader warned that neglecting quality control in polytechnic education could jeopardize the future of technical and vocational training in the country.

According to Richard, lecturers in Zone D, which includes the South-South and South-East regions, are prepared to halt their services if the ASUP National Executive Council issues such a directive. “This stance has been communicated by our national leadership to the relevant authorities, with the 15-day ultimatum commencing on October 8. Should the NEC call for any industrial action after the deadline, we will mobilize our members promptly,” Richard stated.

Current contentious issues surrounding the new scheme include delays in stakeholder engagement and the failure to release the validated Conditions of Service for polytechnics. Additional concerns involve inconsistencies in the Federal Polytechnic Act and the laws governing state-owned institutions, particularly regarding the appointment of Principal Officers.