Strike Looms As ASUP Issues Another 15-Day Ultimatum to FG

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has again issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.

The union said failure of the government to implement agreements aimed at improving members’ working conditions will lead to nationwide industrial action.

ASUP Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Abubakar Abdullahi, while speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, informed union members of the resolutions reached during the Union’s 111th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held on October 6, 2024, in Abuja.

The union said the 15-day period commenced on October 7, 2024, and at the expiration of the ultimatum, the NEC will reconvene to decide on a specific course of action.

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Abdullahi expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s slow progress and seeming indifferent approach to addressing the agreements reached with ASUP.

Members across the nation shared significant concern regarding the Federal Government’s inaction, with some agreements dating back to 2010.

“It is important to emphasize, for the public’s awareness, that these agreements are intended to improve working conditions within our institutions and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisition, and research.”

“It is only after exhausting nearly all avenues for amicable resolution that the NEC of our Union has decided to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. This 15-day period commenced on October 7, 2024.

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“The Union has directed all its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this period while hoping that the Federal Government will utilize the 15-day window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of all polytechnics across the nation,” he said.

He stated that the decision is a direct result of a review of the government’s response, as indicated by the Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, and the Governing Councils of various polytechnics regarding the Union’s engagements.

Specifically, the 111th NEC resolved to demand an immediate review and reversal of all decisions made by the Government, NBTE, or Governing Councils that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amended) 2019.