The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address various longstanding issues affecting the polytechnic sector. Mr. Shammah Kpanja, ASUP’s National President, made the announcement following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
Kpanja stated that the decision to issue the ultimatum was necessary due to the government’s failure to implement vital reforms and address concerns within the sector. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our union hereby issues a 15-day ultimatum as required by law, commencing from October 7, for proprietors of public polytechnics to address these issues.”
At the end of the ultimatum, ASUP plans to reconvene to determine specific and legitimate courses of action based on the government’s response. Kpanja urged union zones and chapters to prepare for necessary actions within the 15-day window, including congresses, peaceful protests, and media campaigns highlighting their demands.
The union’s key demands include:
- Review and Reversal of Acts of Impunity: Kpanja called for the reversal of policies inconsistent with the Federal Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sector.
- Review of Suspended Document: Immediate commencement of the review process for the suspended “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics 2023,” as agreed upon in the tripartite meeting held in July 2024.
- Release of NEEDS Assessment Intervention Funds: The union is demanding the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention for public polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.
- Protection of Academic Boards’ Responsibilities: ASUP is seeking the cessation of actions undermining, duplicating, or relinquishing the responsibilities of Academic Boards concerning student admission processes.
Kpanja expressed hope that the government would use the 15-day period to address these issues and avert a potential shutdown of the sector.