ASUP Issues 21-Day Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Unmet 2010 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address unresolved demands dating back to its 2010 agreement with the union. The ultimatum was issued after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja on Thursday.

ASUP President Shammah Kpanja, who briefed journalists after the meeting, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to meet critical obligations affecting polytechnic education and the welfare of academic staff. He warned that if the issues remained unresolved within the given timeframe, the union would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike across all public polytechnics and monotechnics.

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ASUP’s Key Demands

Kpanja highlighted the immediate release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission as one of the union’s top priorities. This circular would enable the payment of the Peculiar Academic Allowance to polytechnic lecturers — a key component of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement.

He noted that instead of making provisions for the allowance, it had been removed from the national budgeting template. The union, according to him, has been disappointed by the Federal Ministry of Education’s lack of concrete intervention to reinstate the allowance in the budget.

The ASUP president also drew attention to the 25/35 per cent salary review arrears, which cover a 12-month period and have already been budgeted for. Despite this, the funds have not been released, a situation he described as “beyond the comprehension of the union.”

Concerns Over Accreditation and Wage Implementation

Kpanja further criticised the continued outsourcing of the polytechnic accreditation process by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He explained that the NBTE had previously assured the union it would end the outsourcing practice but had failed to follow through.

On the issue of wage implementation, the ASUP leader lamented that many state governments had yet to apply the new national minimum wage to polytechnic lecturers. He said this non-compliance was particularly troubling, given the economic pressures facing Nigerian workers.

The Dual Mandate Structure Demand

Another major concern raised by ASUP is the delay in approving the dual mandate structure. This reform seeks to end the long-standing discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and university degree holders in the labour market. According to Kpanja, the continued delay in implementing this structure perpetuates inequality and undermines the polytechnic system’s relevance in national development.

He stressed that the reform would not only boost the morale of HND graduates but also strengthen Nigeria’s technical education sector.

Ultimatum and Possible Strike Action

“In view of the items listed above, our union’s NEC has resolved to issue a 21-day ultimatum to the government to address the issues satisfactorily,” Kpanja stated. “A failure to utilise this window may lead to the declaration of a trade dispute and withdrawal of services of our members across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide.”

The ASUP president emphasised that the union was not eager to disrupt academic activities but had been left with no choice due to the government’s persistent inaction.

Historical Context of ASUP Disputes

ASUP’s long-standing disputes with the Federal Government trace back to the 2010 agreement, which covered issues ranging from improved welfare packages to better funding for polytechnics. Over the years, several of these issues have remained unresolved, leading to intermittent strikes and disruptions in the academic calendar.

The current ultimatum adds to a history of strained relations between the union and the government. In previous negotiations, partial agreements were reached, but implementation has often been slow or incomplete, fuelling distrust between both parties.

Potential Impact of a Strike

If ASUP proceeds with its threat, academic activities in public polytechnics and monotechnics across Nigeria could grind to a halt, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Such a strike could also have economic implications, particularly in regions where polytechnics serve as major centres for vocational and technical training.

Education analysts have warned that prolonged strikes in the polytechnic sector risk widening skill gaps in Nigeria’s workforce. The technical and vocational education system plays a vital role in producing middle-level manpower for industries, and interruptions could affect national productivity.

Government’s Possible Response

While the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to ASUP’s ultimatum, sources within the education sector suggest that negotiations may be initiated to avert a strike. However, the union insists that it will only back down if tangible actions — not mere promises — are taken within the 21-day period.

For many observers, the ASUP ultimatum serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s recurring labour disputes in the education sector. Without such solutions, the cycle of demands, negotiations, and strikes may continue to undermine the stability and effectiveness of the country’s technical education system.