ASUP begins indefinite strike as Polytechnics closed down

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has started an indefinite strike over failure to implement its demands by the federal government.

The President of ASUP, Anderson Ezeibe, on Tuesday, disclosed that the industrial action takes effect immediately.

The President of ASUP, Anderson Ezeibe

As indicated by Ezeibe, union members have pledged to close down polytechnics across the country till the federal government meets their demands.

The ASUP President declared that the strike became vital after the expiration of demand it gave the federal government last year to refurbish the poor condition of polytechnics and monotechnics in the nation.

He added that the union had evidently made its requests known to the ministries of education, state governors, and other significant bodies; however nothing was done to solve the matter.

Ezeibe further said that some of the demands of the union comprise failure to implement the 2014 NEEDS Report and non-release of revitalisation funds to the sector in spite of guarantees since 2017.

He said, “Our grievances also include the non-reconstitution of governing councils in federal polytechnics and many state-owned institutions, leading to the disruption of governance and administrative processes in the institutions since May, 2020.

“This has also undermined the renegotiation of the union’s 2010 agreement with the government, which was unilaterally suspended by the government for over two years now.”

The development occurs a couple of hours after the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, held an emergency meeting with union leaders to prevent the strike.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics had previously instructed its members to commence strike from April 6, over salary arrears, non-constitution of governing councils, “victimisation” among others.

It likewise comes a couple of days after resident doctors commenced strike to protest the non-payment of allowances among others.