By O.V Collins
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has issued a directive to Lecturers in public polytechnics across the country to resume work on Monday, May 30, 2022.
The directive is coming roughly two weeks after the union commenced a warning strike on Monday, May 16, 2022, over the failure of the federal government to meet some protracted demands.
The demands which the striking union listed had included, in part, the payment of N15 billion revitalisation fund for polytechnics; review of conditions of service; payment of minimum wage arrears, amongst others.
ACJ_UNIBEN had reported earlier that the Nigerian Government commenced the disbursement of the minimum wage arrears to both lecturers of polytechnics, university lecturers and other tertiary institution workers across the nation.
“The two weeks definite strike of the union will be rounding off on the 29th of May, 2022, as agreed by the emergency meeting of the NEC. Consequently, the union is requesting members to resume duties effective 30th of May, 2022, while hoping that government will take advantage of the window to address the five outstanding items.
“Further directives/ updates shall be released after the 103rd meeting of NEC which is scheduled to hold in the month of June, 2022, during which the situation shall be reviewed,” ASUP revealed in a statement signed by Abdullahi Yalwa, its national publicity secretary.
ACJ_UNIBEN also reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had said the payment of the minimum wage arrears was not a part of its demands; while in recent developments, ASUP had said otherwise.
According to polytechnic lecturers’ union, the federal government is yet to meet the following demands it tendered:
“Release of the approved N15 billion revitalisation fund for the sector. This issue is still stuck in the Federal Ministry of Finance with a promise of follow up action by the Education ministry.
“Release of arrears of CONTISS 15 migration for the lower cadre. This issue is still at the committee level set up to resolve the dispute on the contested 2014/15 verification report.
“Release of the Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service: The document is still awaiting approval as it has been recalled from the Head of Service for further review.
“Continued delay in the appointment of substantive Rectors for Federal Polytechnics in Mubi, Offa, and Kaduna.
“Resolution of issues with members in Colleges of Agriculture: The issue is still pending as a resolution will require an interface between the Education ministry and Agriculture ministry.”