ASUP Warns FG Over Delayed Salary Payments, Threatens Nationwide Strike across all Polytechnics

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over persistent delays in salary and allowance payments, stating that continued neglect could lead to a total withdrawal of services by its members.

In a statement released by the Union’s President, Shammah Kpanja, ASUP expressed deep frustration over the recurrent delays in monthly salaries across federal polytechnics. The union said it may be forced to instruct its members to stop reporting to duty in the affected institutions if the situation is not resolved swiftly.

“This call is being made in the interest of maintaining what is left of industrial peace within the tertiary education system, particularly the polytechnic subsector,” the statement read. “No union will sit idly while its members are subjected to such hardship, especially when the government continues to default on its contractual obligations to workers.”

Salary Delays Blamed on Payment Platform Transition

According to ASUP, the issue began about eight months ago, coinciding with the Federal Government’s transition from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

The union noted that despite repeated complaints and engagement, there has been no meaningful improvement, leaving academic staff in financial distress at the end of every month.

“We have been made to understand that the delays are linked to challenges within the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, which now handles the salary disbursement through GIFMIS,” Kpanja said.

The union added that the transition should have been smooth, considering both platforms are controlled by the same office and use the same payroll data.

“Eight months is too long for what should have been a seamless transition. It speaks volumes about how little value the government places on education and its workforce.”

Deteriorating Conditions and Mounting Frustrations

ASUP strongly condemned the deteriorating conditions of its members in federal polytechnics, accusing the government of reducing educators to beggars due to late and inconsistent salary payments. The union emphasized that most lecturers now rely on loans to survive, as their earnings barely cover debts incurred each month.

“It is painful to witness the academic community being subjected to this level of financial humiliation while political elites continue to live in unchecked extravagance,” the union stated. “This is reflective of a broken system that prioritizes politics over education and governance.”

ASUP also criticized what it described as the government’s disregard for the wellbeing of academic staff, especially in light of the harsh economic conditions facing Nigerians.

A Clear Ultimatum

The union has demanded the immediate release of June 2025 salaries and called on the Federal Government to put an end to the recurring salary payment delays. Failure to do so, they warned, would result in industrial action—starting with a total withdrawal of services in all affected institutions.

“If this issue persists, our members will not resume work at the end of each month until salaries are fully paid,” ASUP stated. “This position will be maintained going forward if concrete steps are not taken to correct the trend.”

ASUP reiterated that the union remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of its members and will not hesitate to act decisively if the current situation continues.