ASUP suspends proposed strike
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has shelved its proposed strike over the newly released scheme of service for polytechnics.
According to the union on Monday, the suspension followed engagements with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The NBTE on June 19 unveiled new schemes of service as approved by the Federal Government for Nigerian polytechnics, with effect from June 7, 2024.
However, the ASUP opposed it, alleging that the new schemes of service lacked inclusive stakeholder input, particularly from their union and stakeholders in the polytechnic sector.
Against this backdrop, ASUP gave a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, effective 8 July 2024, to suspend the implementation of the new scheme of work or face strike and other forms of industrial action by the union.
In a statement released at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, the union said the 15-day ultimatum was to provide the government ample time to address our grievance or face diverse forms of industrial action by our aggrieved members.
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“Within the 15-day period, however, our union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 July, where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed document be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of our Union.
“The document was immediately suspended by the NBTE through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of our institutions on the same day. Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on 22 July to review our earlier position.
“The NEC therefore resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the Union have been met substantially. 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.
“Our union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector,” the union said.