ASUP orders  immediate shutdown of all polytechnics over eight-month salary arrears

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced an immediate and indefinite strike action over the non-payment of salaries to its members in Federal Polytechnics across Nigeria. This decision comes on the heels of what the union describes as “protracted and unjustifiable delays” in the payment of monthly salaries for eight consecutive months, leaving thousands of lecturers in financial distress.

The announcement was made through an official circular dated 21st July, 2025, and addressed to all Chapter Congresses of the union in Federal Polytechnics. The notice, signed by the ASUP Secretary General, Lawani F. Jimoh, detailed the outcome of the union’s 114th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was held on Thursday, 17th July, 2025, in Abuja. During the meeting, the council deliberated extensively on the persistent salary issues plaguing its members and resolved to take immediate industrial action.

According to the circular, all chapters of ASUP have been directed to commence strike action without delay if salaries are not paid within three days after the end of any given month. The strike, once triggered, will be indefinite and sustained until full salary payments are made.

“Effective immediately, all Chapters are directed to EMBARK ON STRIKE ACTION FORTHWITH if salaries are not paid three (3) days after the end of any given month,” the directive stated.

“Such strike action when commenced, shall be sustained until salaries are paid.”

The union explained that the decision to resort to industrial action was not taken lightly but was necessitated by the “continuous hardship, indignity and demoralization” suffered by its members due to the irregular salary payments. ASUP expressed concerns over the impact of the situation on the morale and productivity of lecturers who have been working without pay for several months.

ASUP emphasized that it had explored all other means of engagement before arriving at the decision to strike. The NEC described the strike as a last resort, aimed at compelling relevant authorities to meet their statutory obligations and safeguard the welfare and dignity of polytechnic academic staff.

This development signals a major disruption in academic activities across Federal Polytechnics nationwide, as chapters are expected to comply fully with the directive. The union called on all its members to remain united and committed to the cause, assuring them that their resolve will lead to victory.

“We trust in your unwavering commitment in the implementation of these resolutions. Together, we shall overcome,” the Secretary General concluded in the circular.

The strike action is expected to significantly affect academic calendars, examinations, and ongoing administrative duties within polytechnics. It also comes at a time when students and staff alike are grappling with broader economic challenges, including inflation, fuel price hikes, and high cost of living.

Stakeholders in the education sector are now urging the Federal Government and relevant ministries to act swiftly to address the salary crisis in order to prevent a prolonged shutdown of academic activities across polytechnic institutions.

As the strike looms, tension continues to rise among students and parents who fear the impact of further disruptions in the already fragile academic system. Meanwhile, ASUP insists that the only path to resolution is the immediate and full payment of all outstanding salaries to its members.