The Senior Staff Association of Nigeri Polytechnics (SSANIP) has announced a three-day warning strike, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, January 22, to Friday, January 24, 2025.
This action follows allegations of an ongoing attempt by certain stakeholders to deny non-teaching staff in polytechnics and similar institutions their right to career progression, particularly the ability to attain the peak of their careers on CONTEDISS 15.
In a letter dated January 14, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, SSANIP’s National Secretary, Nura Gaya, expressed the union’s grievances.
“The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) wishes to formally notify your esteemed office of our decision to embark on a three-day warning strike, commencing at midnight on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, through Friday, January 24, 2025.
“This action has become necessary to emphasize our position on the alleged attempts by certain stakeholders to marginalize Non-Teaching Staff in the redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service, thereby denying them their rightful career progression to CONTEDISS 15.”
The union reiterated its long-standing advocacy for equity and justice within the polytechnic system, urging the government to adopt policies that support the career progression of both teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Regrettably, our previous engagements with relevant authorities have yielded minimal results. The ongoing schemes against Non-Teaching Staff are a direct affront to these efforts and an indication of institutionalized marginalization,” the letter noted.
The union further clarified that the demands for fair career progression for non-teaching staff would not impede the progression of teaching staff since both categories operate on distinct salary structures.
“We implore the Ministry of Education to take urgent and decisive steps to address this issue and prevent further escalation,” the statement added.
SSANIP emphasized its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue and avert prolonged disruptions in the polytechnic system.
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