The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has confirmed that it will begin a nationwide strike on December 2, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s failure to address their demands. Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, Chairman of ASUP at Kaduna Polytechnic, announced the decision after the government did not take action on the union’s requests.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum in October 2024, urging the government to resolve issues that have long affected polytechnic education in Nigeria. The union’s key demands include the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, an immediate 25/35% salary increase for staff, and the payment of accumulated arrears.

In addition, ASUP is seeking the resolution of the CONTISS-15 migration for lower-level staff, payment of outstanding promotion arrears, improved funding for polytechnics, and the settlement of unpaid allowances.

The union’s chairman expressed regret that, despite the ultimatum, the government did not take action to address these pressing concerns. With the deadline passed, ASUP has been left with no choice but to shut down polytechnic institutions nationwide on December 2, 2024, unless the government takes swift action.

ASUP emphasized that the survival and quality of Nigeria’s education system depend on the government’s response. The union believes that resolving these issues is crucial for the future of the country and called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue to address the challenges faced by polytechnics.