SSANIP Urges Federal Government to Enforce NBTE Guidelines on Polytechnic Staff Roles

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, Zone E, has called on the Federal Government to fully implement the directives of the National Board for Technical Education regarding the proper separation of duties between teaching and non-teaching staff in Nigerian polytechnics.

The union made the demand during its 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting held at Federal Polytechnic Ukana.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Godwin Ikhide, and the Zonal Secretary, Eni Usang, the council expressed concern over what it described as the increasing takeover of responsibilities meant for non-teaching staff by academic personnel within the polytechnic system.

According to the association, enforcing the NBTE guidelines would help restore professionalism, improve administrative efficiency, and reduce conflicts relating to job responsibilities in tertiary institutions.

The communiqué stated that the council strongly frowned at the continuous usurpation of positions designated for non-teaching staff and urged the government to ensure immediate compliance with established regulations governing role allocation in polytechnics.

The union also raised concerns over the delay in implementing the 2019 Scheme of Service for polytechnic workers, describing the situation as counterproductive to staff welfare and institutional growth.

SSANIP called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation process, noting that the delay has continued to affect workers’ career progression and operational efficiency in the sector.

On staff welfare, the association encouraged its various branches to introduce and strengthen internal welfare schemes aimed at supporting members during difficult economic conditions.

The council, however, commended the national leadership of the union for its active engagement in negotiations and discussions focused on improving workers’ welfare and working conditions in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

SSANIP also praised the management of Federal Polytechnic Ukana for the effective utilisation of TETFund allocations, noting that a large percentage of infrastructure projects within the institution were executed through the intervention funds.

The association further expressed concern over the rising insecurity across the country and the increasing cost of petroleum products, stating that the economic situation is negatively affecting workers and Nigerians generally.

The union urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address insecurity, inflation, and the high cost of living currently impacting citizens nationwide.

Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy National Secretary of SSANIP, Dr Emmanuel Enyiegor, disclosed that discussions between the Federal Government and unions in the tertiary education sector were ongoing.

According to him, negotiations are expected to produce favourable outcomes relating to workers’ remuneration, conditions of service, staff development, workplace environment, and review of allowances in the polytechnic sector.

He expressed optimism that both the government and unions would soon reach agreements capable of improving productivity and enhancing the welfare of workers in Nigerian polytechnics.

The latest concerns raised by SSANIP highlight the long-standing debate within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector over staff responsibilities, welfare, institutional reforms, and improved working conditions for both academic and non-academic personnel.