Polytechnics to be shut down next week,lecturers to begin two-week warning strike on Dec 2

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has set December 2 to embark on a two-week warning strike.

Kpanja Shammah, president of the union, addressed journalists at the end of its 112th national executive council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government and other relevant agencies.

The ultimatum was for the government to review and reverse all policy decisions inconsistent with provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

The union had also alleged impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

Shammah said the federal government has yet to implement some 11 items in the agreements it entered with the union.

“As of today, we can only attest to the resolution of item number four while item number two is ongoing. No tangible effort is being made to resolve the other items,” he said.

“Following these developments, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from Dec. 2 on two weeks definite strike action in the first instance.”

He said the strike would serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite strike going forward.

Shammah listed other grievances of the union including sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Polytechnics Act and different edicts establishing state-owned institutions.

He also cited the appointment of a rector in Federal Polytechnic, Wannune which he said was done without due process.

He said that others were the non-review of the contentious schemes of service for polytechnics and the non-release of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for 2023.

Shammah called for the understanding and support of members of the public as it tussles with the federal government.

“We hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union, which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment, to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector,” he added.