The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced plans to shut down all public polytechnics across Nigeria starting December 2, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s failure to address their demands.
Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter of ASUP, disclosed the union’s decision during a press briefing on Tuesday. The declaration follows a 15-day ultimatum issued by the union on October 6, urging the government to resolve pressing issues affecting the polytechnic education system.
Despite the ultimatum, the Federal Government has yet to take action on the union’s demands, which include the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review for public polytechnics, and payment of accrued arrears, among others.
“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands,” Comrade Abubakar stated. “The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions on December 2, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed.”
The proposed strike underscores the ongoing challenges facing polytechnic education in Nigeria and the need for urgent government intervention to prevent disruption in the academic calendar.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.