ASUP 21-day ultimatum issued to FG over unresolved demands, including salary arrears, HND discrimination, and failure to set up National Polytechnics Commission
ASUP 21-day ultimatum has raised alarms across Nigeria’s education sector as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) warns of an imminent industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address long-standing grievances within the stipulated period.
Also read: Lagos State Polytechnic NASUP to Protest In Alausa by 10AM
The union, during a press briefing in Abuja, outlined a broad list of unresolved issues—chief among them being the urgent demand for the creation of a National Polytechnics Commission to regulate and uplift polytechnic education in line with similar bodies for universities and colleges of education.
ASUP President, Comrade Shammah Kpanja, criticized delays in the legislative process and called on the Federal Ministry of Education to fast-track the transmission of the executive bill to the National Assembly.
“We are tired of empty promises and delayed reforms. This commission is essential for professional autonomy and sectoral advancement,” Kpanja stated.
In a strongly worded statement, ASUP also condemned the government’s use of external consultants for accreditation in polytechnics, questioning the competence and vetting process of these contractors.
Other major issues raised include:
- Persistent discrimination against HND holders, which the union says demoralizes graduates and diminishes the credibility of polytechnic education.
- Non-implementation of the 25-35% salary review, despite being budgeted for.
- Unpaid Peculiar Academic Allowances and delayed CONTISS 15 arrears dating back to 2014.
- Non-release of the second tranche of the approved NEEDS Assessment fund, with no review of the first tranche’s implementation.
- Pending implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in many state-owned polytechnics.
Kpanja lamented the lack of engagement from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education, urging a reconstitution of negotiation teams to revisit the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement.
“The union may be compelled to declare a trade dispute and withdraw services across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide should these issues remain unresolved,” the union’s National Executive Council warned.
Also read: Kadpoly ASUP Begins Indefinite Strike
ASUP 21-Day Ultimatum is not just another labor threat—it reflects deep-rooted structural neglect in Nigeria’s polytechnic system and the growing frustration among educators seeking dignity, fairness, and reforms.
