ASUP Strike: Polytechnic exams, other academic activities disrupted

ASUP strike disrupts academic activities in Polytechnics across Nigeria.

The indefinite strike by the academic staff of polytechnic, nationwide, has negatively affected academic activities in some institutions.

The strike commenced on Monday, and has hindered the on-going examinations, marking of exam scripts in several institutions across the country.

Also, the admission of new students has been halted in some institutions as a result of the industrial action.

Naija News recalls that last week, the National Executive Council (NEC) of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) ordered the union’s 55 chapters in federal and state polytechnics to stop academic activities from Monday, November 13, if the Federal Government refuses to meet the union’s demands.

In addition, ASUP had on October 9, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government, requesting that it implements outstanding demands which include NEEDS Assessment for federal and state polytechnics put at over N652, 591, 478, 614 billion, Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Scale (CONTISS 15) N20billion and short fall in salaries as at December 2016 ₦2, 637, 161,000billion and earned academic allowance at over ₦3, 221,487,017billion.

ASUP also demanded the non removal of dichotomy against HND holders, victimization of union officials, non release of check off dues, interference in union activities, non release of CONTISS 15 migration arrears, non release of visitation panel reports, delay in review of the Federal Polytechnics Act, non commencement of renegotiation of ASUP/FG agreement of 2010 and tardiness in appointment of rectors of federal polytechnics.

READ ALSO: ASUP issues 14 days warning strike notice to government

In Lagos, students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), were abandoned in lecture halls as their lecturers were not around to teach, in adherence to the NEC order. Later on, the congress of the union held a meeting to endorse the strike.

Confirming the adherence to the strike action, ASUP YABATECH chapter chairman, Prince Adeyemi Aromolaran, said the college management were well informed, last Thursday, of NEC’s decision.’

Further confirming the industrial action, ASUP National President, Mr. Usman Dutse, General Secretary, Mr. Anderson Ezeibe and Zonal Coordinator, South West, Adetunji Omobaorun told Daily Sun that members followed the directive of NEC, as academic activities were put on hold nationwide.

The coordinator for South West zone, Omobaorun said “the strike is total and comprehensive in line with national directive to chapters to embark on strike.’’

Speaking on the duration of the strike, Dutse stated that the strike is indefinite.