ASUP Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Polytechnic Education, Re-Elects Kpanja as President

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s growing technical skills deficit, warning that the country’s productivity and workforce competitiveness will continue to suffer unless polytechnics are revitalized, adequately funded, and strategically positioned as the backbone of national industrial development.

This position was emphasized during the union’s 18th National Delegates Conference (NDC), held last week in Jos, Plateau State. Delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions on the state of the nation, the polytechnic sector, and the union itself.

In a communiqué signed by ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, Itoro E. Ekanemesang, the union criticized the government for its persistent neglect of technical and vocational education, noting that this has deepened unemployment, reduced productivity, and undermined Nigeria’s capacity to cultivate a competitive workforce. ASUP stressed that sustained investment in polytechnic education is crucial to closing the country’s skills gap.

The union also highlighted security concerns, noting that rising insecurity across the country threatens the safety of educational institutions, disrupts learning and research, and undermines staff welfare. Delegates called on the Federal Government to strengthen security through improved intelligence coordination and to introduce urgent economic relief measures to mitigate the impact of inflation, high living costs, and poverty.

On funding, ASUP accused the government of failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to polytechnic development, demanding the immediate release of approved funds for the second phase of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention. The union insisted that funds be disbursed transparently and equitably to all eligible institutions, warning that delays would further weaken the sector.

The conference condemned the prolonged delay in settling CONTISS 15 migration arrears for lower-cadre academic staff, calling it unjust and demoralizing. Delegates stressed that neglecting staff welfare erodes morale and destabilizes industrial relations within polytechnics.

ASUP also renewed its long-standing call to end the HND/BSc dichotomy, commending the National Assembly for reintroducing the bill aimed at eliminating the discriminatory policy. The union urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the bill into law, emphasizing that its passage would promote fairness, strengthen national unity, and modernize Nigeria’s workforce.

On industrial harmony, the union expressed frustration over delays in renegotiating the ASUP/FGN Agreement of 2010, stressing that reforms in policy frameworks, supervision, funding, and staff welfare are long overdue. It urged the government to act responsibly, noting that this agreement is vital for sector stability.

Delegates also criticized administrative lapses caused by delayed reconstitution of Governing Councils, which stalled appointments of key institutional officers. While acknowledging recent efforts to resolve the issue, ASUP cautioned that such delays undermine governance and institutional stability.

The union further demanded the immediate approval and implementation of revised Schemes of Service and Conditions of Service, citing negative impacts on staff morale and institutional growth due to delays. ASUP called on all proprietors, especially state governments, to clear outstanding promotion arrears, salary shortfalls, pension liabilities, and third-party deductions, emphasizing that full compliance is non-negotiable.

ASUP rejected attempts to outsource the quality assurance functions of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to private vendors, warning that such actions threaten the credibility and autonomy of polytechnics. The union also condemned indiscriminate conversion of polytechnics into universities, arguing that this undermines technical education and skills development. ASUP reiterated its demand for a dual-mandate framework that allows polytechnics to offer degree programs without abandoning their technological education mandate.

The conference welcomed progress on the Dual Mandate Bill and the National Commission for Polytechnics Bill, urging the National Assembly to expedite their passage. The union also called on state governments to fully implement the 2019 Polytechnic Act, noting that many state-owned institutions continue to operate under outdated laws, causing governance and funding inconsistencies.

ASUP opposed NBTE’s attempt to centralize HND admissions through an online portal, labeling it an infringement on institutional autonomy and academic board powers. The union welcomed the reversal of this policy following intervention.

Finally, the union condemned actions suppressing union activities at institutions such as Federal Polytechnics Nekede and Bida, warning that any attempt to intimidate union members will be firmly resisted.

During the conference, ASUP elected its new Council of National Officers, with Shammah Sunday Kpanja re-elected as President to lead the union’s next phase of development.