Federal Polytechnic Bida Suspends ASUP Activities Over Rising Tensions

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, has announced the suspension of activities of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bida Chapter, with immediate effect.

The institution’s Registrar, Hussaini Enagi, confirmed the development in a statement, citing growing tension and security concerns on campus. He advised all union members to comply strictly with the council’s directive.

The move comes after the Bida chapter of ASUP directed its members to resume a previously suspended strike, demanding payment of six months out of the 18 months of Excess Workload Allowances allegedly owed by the management.

According to the union’s statement, the decision to resume the strike was a collective resolution of its congress. The statement urged members to remain committed, describing the struggle as lawful and in line with labour rights.

Management Reacts

The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Baba Haruna, acknowledged receipt of the strike notice but appealed to union members to respect colleagues who may not share their stance.

Registrar Enagi added that the Governing Council had made several appeals to the union to allow a committee to conclude its report on the matter before taking action. He further expressed concerns about the timing of the strike, noting that students were scheduled to commence their second-semester examinations on September 15.

“The council recognises the right of the union to declare a strike, but it must also acknowledge the right of some members to continue their duties without intimidation,” Enagi stated. He urged the union to suspend its action in the overall interest of the institution and assured that the issues raised would be addressed holistically.

ASUP’s National Response

Reacting to the suspension, ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, described the council’s decision as worrisome.

“We are disturbed by reports from Bida Polytechnic regarding the suspension of union activities and the involvement of security operatives during examinations,” Kpanja said in a statement.

He noted that the national body stands firmly with the Bida chapter and will engage the relevant authorities to address what he called “excesses” on the part of the institution’s management and council.

About Federal Polytechnic, Bida

Federal Polytechnic Bida was established in 1977 after the Federal Government decided to relocate the then Federal College of Technology, Kano, to Niger State. Academic activities officially began in April 1978 with an initial intake of 211 students, 11 senior staff, and 33 junior staff.

Today, the institution remains a major federal tertiary institution, contributing to technical and vocational education in Nigeria.