MARGARET CHIDERA
NIGERIA: The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its planned industrial action after the government addressed its concerns regarding the new Scheme of Service issued by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Announcing the suspension in a statement issued yesterday, ASUP President Shammah Kpanja, said that the decision followed government’s timely intervention.
ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum, which began on July 8, for the federal government to suspend the new Scheme of Service as released by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Kpanja stated that the union identified several problematic provisions in the document released by the NBTE on June 19, 2024. These provisions, according to Kpanja, undermined the tertiary education status of polytechnics in Nigeria, exacerbated discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, distorted employee relativity, and increased institutional overheads.
“The Union therefore demanded a suspension of the implementation of the contentious provisions and the commencement of a thorough review through a stakeholders’ engagement process,” Kpanja explained.
During the 15-day ultimatum, ASUP’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on July 19. At this meeting, it was resolved that the implementation of the disputed document be suspended and a review process initiated as demanded by ASUP.
“The document was immediately suspended by the NBTE through a circular addressed to Chairmen Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of our institutions the same day.
“Following this development, ASUP’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened an emergency meeting on July 22 to reassess their position. The NEC resolved to suspend the planned industrial action, acknowledging that the union’s demands had been substantially met.
“We appreciate our members’ steadfastness in the face of the unearned provocation; the intervention and inputs of different stakeholders including Rectors of Polytechnics; sister staff Unions and the students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students,” Kpanja expressed.
The ASUP President also extended gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Executive Secretary of the NBTE for their productive intervention. He also acknowledged the media’s role in supporting the union’s cause.
“Our Union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise so as to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector,” Kpanja concluded.
