**ASUP Demands in Nigeria Polytechnics: A Necessity for Education Improvement**
Pressure is mounting in the tertiary education sector in Nigeria as the Association of Academic Staff of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone B, has warned owners of public polytechnics. The deadline of the 21st of this month is fast approaching, threatening to cripple the institutions if their demands are not met.
The Zone B Coordinator, Simji Lumpye, has expressed concern over the precarious state into which owners of public polytechnics, colleges of technology and mono-technics in the country have plunged them. At the heart of ASUP’s demands are issues of compliance with established laws, adequate funding and recognition of the rights of lecturers and administrative staff.
In an official statement, ASUP highlighted several critical issues: non-compliance with legal provisions governing polytechnics, blocking of key documents such as the Polytechnic Service Scheme, non-payment of salary arrears and promotion allowances, as well as undue interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the academic affairs of polytechnics.
ASUP’s demands call for an immediate review of these contentious issues, as well as the speedy implementation of necessary measures to ensure a teaching environment conducive to academic excellence. The demands include the release of necessary funds to support the institutions, reform of administrative procedures and compliance with agreements between the government and the association.
The ultimate objective of these demands is to ensure a robust and functional education system for polytechnics and monotechnics in Nigeria. Otherwise, ASUP reserves the right to take industrial action to enforce its rights and ensure fair and equitable working conditions for its members.
Ultimately, ASUP’s struggle is not just about wage or benefit demands, but a battle to preserve the quality of technical and vocational education in Nigeria. It is imperative that the authorities take these demands seriously and act decisively to ensure the future of higher education in the country.