Polytechnic lecturers suspend 65-day strike

The Academic Staff Union Of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its 65-day strike.

The decision to suspend the strike was based on the evaluation of the report announcing the gradual implementation of the points contained in the action memorandum signed between the union and the Federal Government.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by National Press Secretary Abdullahi Yalwa, the suspension of the strike will come into effect on June 10.

“The suspension will apply for a period of three months to enable the government to complete the implementation of the points contained in the Memorandum of Action signed with the union on April 27, 2021,” Yalwa’s statement said.

“As part of the efforts announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, certain items have been implemented such as the reconstitution and establishment of governing boards and visitation committees at the Nigerian Federal Polytechnics, while we are given to understand that the release of funds for the revitalization of infrastructure and the payment of minimum wage arrears is currently being processed.

“Other points include the ongoing efforts to review the roster and conditions of service for polytechnicians and the commencement of work to resolve the issues related to the CONTISS 15 migration backlogs for the lower cadres. We also welcome the recent passage of the bill to eliminate the dichotomy against HND holders in the country.”

The union said the decision to suspend the strike took into account appeals from the government, the country’s most respected representatives, members of the National Assembly, the heads of the boards of directors of the federal polytechnics and the public, who showed varying levels of interest in the matter.

“Our union believes that suspending this measure will give the government the opportunity to implement other aspects of the Protocol of Action and provide it with the opportunity to address the trust deficit within our sector.

“We equally appreciate the interventions at various levels by key stakeholders in the sector during this period,” said Abdullahi Yalwa.