ASUP threatens nationwide strike over unmet demands

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address unresolved issues, warning that a nationwide strike could follow if their demands are not met.

ASUP President, Mr. Shammah Kpanja, made the announcement on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja.

Kpanja said the union’s concerns include the non-release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for the payment of Peculiar Academic Allowances, a provision of the 2010 ASUP-Federal Government agreement.

Instead, the allowance has been excluded from the budget, with the Federal Ministry of Education yet to intervene.

The NEC also expressed dissatisfaction with the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) continued outsourcing of polytechnic accreditation, the unimplemented 25–35% salary review arrears, and delays by state governments in implementing the new national minimum wage.

Another key concern is the pending approval of a dual mandate structure aimed at ending discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.

“In view of these issues, NEC has resolved to issue a 21-day ultimatum to the Government. Failure to act may result in a trade dispute and the withdrawal of services across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide,” Kpanja warned.