The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised alarm over the federal government’s continuous neglect of the nation’s polytechnic education system, accusing it of failing to take the sector’s challenges seriously.
In a recent statement, ASUP accused the federal government of mishandling issues affecting polytechnic institutions, describing the government’s approach as half-hearted and inadequate.
This criticism comes as ASUP embarks on a two-week strike, which began on December 2, 2024, after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, December 6, at the Yaba College of Technology, Masopa Nurudeen, the coordinator for the Zonal Executive Council, Zone C, voiced frustration over the government’s response—or lack thereof—to the union’s concerns.
“The federal government has ignored the plight of polytechnic lecturers, and we are left with no choice but to go on strike,” Nurudeen said, emphasizing the growing resentment among polytechnic staff members.
He argued that polytechnics in Nigeria are suffering from a lack of adequate attention and resources, especially when compared to other sectors of higher education like universities.
One major grievance raised by the union was the controversial appointment process for the new rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. ASUP claims that the selection of the new rector violated the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act as amended in 2019.
According to Nurudeen, the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, has been accused of showing a “high degree of impunity” in their approach to the appointment. He also highlighted a similar issue at the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, where due process was allegedly ignored in the selection of a new rector.
“The failure to follow proper procedure in the appointment of rectors has caused tension and dissatisfaction among polytechnic staff,” he stated.
While the government had intervened in the controversial appointment of a vice-chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Nurudeen pointed out the stark contrast in the government’s response to polytechnic issues.
“The Nekede saga occurred before the UNIZIK issue, but the government responded quickly to the situation at UNIZIK without addressing our concerns,” he said.
This has led ASUP to accuse the federal government of discriminatory conduct, stating that the neglect of polytechnic education is reflective of a deeper bias against the sector.
ASUP further criticized the government’s failure to release the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for tertiary institutions, a crucial financial support that has yet to reach polytechnics in 2023, even as the year draws to a close.
“The federal government has not disbursed the NEEDS Assessment funds to polytechnics, leaving our institutions struggling without the necessary financial backing,” Nurudeen said.
The union remains steadfast in its demands, warning that the strike may extend into the new year if no tangible progress is made.
“We are determined to press our case until the government listens,” Nurudeen asserted. “If by next year, nothing concrete has been done, we may have no choice but to continue the strike.”
The ongoing strike has halted academic activities in polytechnics across the country, leaving thousands of students stranded and uncertain about their academic futures.
ASUP’s demands include the appointment of qualified rectors in polytechnics across the nation, the immediate release of intervention funds, and a more comprehensive approach from the government in addressing the issues facing polytechnic education.
“The strike will continue until the federal government proves that it values polytechnic education,” said Nurudeen, urging the government to take swift action before the union is forced to escalate the industrial action further.
Polytechnic education in Nigeria has long been regarded as the backbone of the nation’s technical and vocational training. However, ASUP’s accusations suggest a growing divide between the government’s priorities and the needs of the polytechnic sector.
The federal government’s lack of response has caused a deep sense of frustration among polytechnic lecturers, who feel sidelined in the broader conversation about education reform in Nigeria.
