ASUP: Polytechnic lecturers suspend strike after Minister’s intervention

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced the suspension of its planned strike concerning the newly released scheme of service for polytechnics.

This decision comes after engagements with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had unveiled new schemes of service on June 19, 2024, which were approved by the Federal Government to take effect from June 7, 2024. However, ASUP opposed the new schemes, alleging a lack of inclusive stakeholder input, particularly from their union and other stakeholders in the polytechnic sector.

In response, ASUP issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, effective from July 8, 2024, demanding the suspension of the new scheme of work or facing diverse forms of industrial action.

Following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, ASUP released a statement explaining their decision to suspend the planned strike.

“Within the 15-day period, our union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on July 19, 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 statement read.

The NBTE immediately suspended the document through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of the institutions on the same day. Following this development, ASUP’s NEC reconvened on July 22 to review their 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,” the statement continued.

ASUP has committed to dedicating energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector.