By Bello Ibrahim
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State- Nigeria, September 4, 2025(Series News Online)
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the government a final warning, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike over the neglect and marginalization of polytechnic education in Nigeria. Dr. Abdulazeez Badaru, Zonal Coordinator of ASUP Zone A, disclosed this at a press conference held at Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.
According to Badaru, despite repeated pleas and ultimatums, the government has failed to address critical issues affecting the survival of polytechnics, colleges of technology, and monotechnics. These issues include the non-payment of Peculiar Academic Allowance, outstanding arrears from the 25/35% salary review, and the delayed approval for polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees.
Badaru also cited other unresolved matters, such as the absence of a dedicated polytechnic commission, unpaid promotion arrears, and the outsourcing of quality assurance functions by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He further lamented the non-renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP/FGN agreement and persistent discrimination against HND holders in public service.
The ASUP leader expressed particular concern over the situation at Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, where staff promotions have been pending for over 15 years. "The government's consistent refusal to honor agreements and release owed entitlements is a deliberate attempt to dismantle the polytechnic system," Badaru declared.
With 16 out of 21 days of their ultimatum already elapsed, Badaru warned that ASUP would mobilize for a total withdrawal of services across all polytechnics and monotechnics if the government fails to act. "We will not stand idly by while our members are subjected to stagnation and demoralization," he said, urging the government to act swiftly to avert a crisis that could further destabilize the education sector.
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Press Briefing