Government Makes Progress on ASUP’s Demands

In a communiqué signed by Kpanja, the union confirmed that the 21-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government earlier in August had prompted several constructive engagements between ASUP leadership and officials of the Ministry of Education.

The communiqué stated that the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has released a circular addressing the Peculiar Academic Allowance, one of the union’s major concerns.

Additionally, the government has made progress on the release of the 2025 NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund for polytechnics, as well as the resumption of meetings of the Polytechnics Implementation Monitoring Committee (PIMC) — a vital step before institutions can access the intervention funds.

The union also acknowledged the reconstitution of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee to include the polytechnic sector, which it described as a positive signal toward improving staff welfare and institutional development.

Review of Key Issues Affecting Polytechnic Lecturers

ASUP’s National Executive Council (NEC), which met for its 115th session on October 9, reviewed all developments since the issuance of the strike notice. According to Kpanja, several critical issues have recorded promising progress.

These include:

• The release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance circular by the NSIWC.
  
• Progress on the 2025 NEEDS Assessment cycle for federal and state polytechnics.
  
• The active involvement of the Ministry of Education in resolving internal administrative conflicts in institutions such as Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Federal Polytechnic Ekowe.
  
• The ongoing process to release arrears of the 25%/35% salary adjustment approved for all tertiary institutions.
  
• Moves to clear outstanding promotion arrears owed to polytechnic lecturers.
  
• Efforts to restore the full governing structure of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) through the constitution of its board.
  

ASUP’s Remaining Concerns

Despite the positive steps, ASUP maintained that certain key issues are still pending. The union urged the Federal Government to expedite actions on the release of salary arrears, the conclusion of the ASUP/FG renegotiation process, and the review of outsourcing policies affecting the NBTE’s quality assurance functions.

ASUP also called for:

• The restoration of the ASUP/Federal Ministry of Education Rapid Response Committee, which is responsible for resolving long-standing matters such as CONTISS 15 migration arrears.
  
• The creation of a dedicated National Commission for Polytechnics to ensure effective regulation and representation of the sector.
  
• Legislative action by the National Assembly on the dual mandate structure for polytechnics, which affects how the institutions function across academic and technical levels.
  

Union Gives Government Six Weeks to Deliver

In light of the commitments made by the Federal Government, ASUP has resolved to suspend its proposed strike for six weeks, allowing time for the ongoing negotiations and implementation processes to be concluded.

Kpanja, while appreciating the efforts of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and his team, said the union’s NEC will review the government’s performance after the six-week period to determine the next line of action.

“Our union acknowledges the encouraging commitment displayed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies involved. However, we remain watchful. If these promises are not fulfilled within the given time, we will not hesitate to take necessary steps,” Kpanja stated.

He added that the union’s objective is not merely to agitate but to ensure better working conditions, fair pay, and sustainable development of the Nigerian polytechnic system.

Background: ASUP’s Demands and the 21-Day Ultimatum

ASUP had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government after an emergency NEC meeting held on August 15, 2025, demanding immediate intervention in several unresolved issues affecting the sector.

The demands included:

• Payment of salary arrears and promotion arrears owed to polytechnic lecturers.
  
• Full implementation of the 25%/35% salary increment across all tertiary institutions.
  
• Reconstitution of governing councils for polytechnics.
  
• Effective implementation of the NEEDS Assessment Fund to improve infrastructure.
  
• Addressing the issue of outsourced quality assurance functions under the NBTE.
  

The ultimatum, which expired in early October, prompted swift government response and engagement, leading to the current suspension of the planned strike.

ASUP Commends Education Ministry’s Efforts

ASUP praised the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education for their “decisive and transparent approach” in addressing the union’s concerns. The union also commended their willingness to hold regular meetings to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

Kpanja noted that such proactive steps were a welcome development compared to past engagements, where promises were often made without visible implementation.

“We have seen genuine efforts this time around, and that is why the union has chosen dialogue over disruption. Our members have agreed to give the process more time in the interest of the nation’s education sector,” he said.

What This Means for Polytechnic Education in Nigeria

The temporary suspension of ASUP’s strike brings relief to thousands of students in Nigerian polytechnics who feared another academic disruption. It also signals a renewed sense of cooperation between the Federal Government and polytechnic lecturers, aimed at stabilizing the system.

Education experts believe that resolving ASUP’s grievances will help enhance teaching conditions, boost morale among lecturers, and ultimately improve the quality of technical education in Nigeria.

As the country pushes towards industrialization and digital innovation, well-trained graduates from polytechnics play a crucial role in filling the technical manpower gap across industries such as manufacturing, ICT, engineering, and renewable energy.

The decision by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to put its strike notice on hold reflects a growing sense of optimism about the government’s commitment to the education sector. However, the next six weeks will determine whether the promises made translate into tangible action.

If the Federal Government fulfills its obligations — including the payment of arrears, release of funds, and reconstitution of key boards — the polytechnic sector could finally experience the stability it desperately needs.

For now, lecturers and students alike will be watching closely as both sides work to ensure lasting solutions to the challenges confronting technical education in Nigeria.