ASUP suspends planned industrial strike

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called off its planned strike over contentious aspects in the new Scheme of Service, which was announced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on June 19, 2024.

The national president of ASUP, Shammah Kpanja, announced the suspension of industrial action after the federal government suspended the implementation of the faulty Scheme of Service.

ASUP issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, effective July 8, 2024, to reconsider the adoption of the contentious provisions in the new Scheme of Service for Polytechnic Institutions, which was released by the NBTE.

However, the ASUP said that: “Within the 15 days period however, our Union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and Federal Ministry of Education on the 19th of 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 institution’s same day.

“Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on the 22nd of 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 has been met substantially”.