Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has halted its planned industrial action over the newly released scheme of service for polytechnics.
ASUP said its decision to suspend the planned industrial action followed engagements with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
Recall that the NBTE unveiled new schemes of service on 19 June 2024, as approved by the Federal Government for Nigerian Polytechnics, with effect from 7 June 2024.
However, ASUP kicked against it, alleging that the new schemes of service lacked inclusive stakeholders input, particularly from their union and stakeholders in the polytechnic sector.
Against this backdrop, the aggrieved lecturers gave a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, starting from 8 July 2024, to suspend the implementation of the new scheme of work or face diverse forms of industrial action by the union.
In a statement released at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, the union said the 15-day ultimatum was to provide the government ample time to address their grievance or face diverse forms of industrial action by its aggrieved members.
“Within the 15-day period, however, our union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 July, 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 document was immediately suspended by the NBTE through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of our institutions on the same day. Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on 22 July to review our 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.
“Our union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector,” the statement added.