The ASUP leadership criticized the government's lack of response to the 15-day strike ultimatum issued last week, aimed at addressing several pressing issues within the polytechnic education sector.
The union called on its members to prepare for potential action if the government does not address their concerns by Friday, when the ultimatum expires.
During a press conference at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo, ASUP Coordinator for Zone C, Adekunle Masopa, emphasized the unfairness of the government's silence since the ultimatum was announced. He stated that if lecturers choose to strike after the deadline, they should not be held accountable.
Masopa condemned the government's insufficient support for polytechnic education, which he believes is crucial for the country's technological progress.
He highlighted key concerns for the union, including the NBTE's failure to adhere to agreements made in July 2024 regarding the contentious revised scheme of service, as well as the inappropriate oversight and encroachment on the authority of the Academic Boards of various institutions concerning admissions into Higher National Diploma programs.
Masopa emphasized that to prevent the impending strike, "The government must recommit to the resolutions established during the tripartite meeting in July 2024 regarding the revised scheme of service for 2023.
"It is essential to implement the 25/35 percent consequential salary adjustment for state polytechnics retroactively from January 2023, along with the prompt payment of the one-year arrears associated with this adjustment to federal institutions.
"ASUP urges the NBTE to refrain from overstepping its authority, particularly concerning the academic board's role in student admissions at all levels.
Additionally, there is a need for the immediate settlement of all outstanding promotion arrears."
Masopa indicated that, following the directive from the NEC of ASUP, the union will begin to inform its members about the potential strike.
The meeting included chairpersons from both federal and state-owned polytechnics in the Southwest and Kwara states.