Polytechnic lecturers are threatening to go on strike over the non-payment of the ₦35,000 wage award approved for public sector workers, among other grievances. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called on the federal government to fulfill its commitment to avoid industrial action.
Shammah Kpanja, the President of ASUP, expressed the frustration of polytechnic lecturers, citing economic hardship as a major concern. Kpanja criticized the government for approving the ₦35,000 payment for only one month, despite earlier assurances that it would continue for six months.
The wage award, initially intended to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal, began in September of the previous year for civil servants. However, Kpanja highlighted the discrepancy in the government’s implementation, stating that it had only fulfilled the payment for September.
Kpanja emphasized the adverse effects of economic policies, such as the removal of subsidy on Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), leading to increased living costs for ASUP members. He recalled the agreement reached with the government, involving the ₦35,000 wage award running for six months from September 2023. With January 2024 approaching and no further payments received, Kpanja expressed the dissatisfaction of members facing financial challenges, including the inability to afford transportation to work.
Furthermore, Kpanja addressed the government’s delay in implementing the promised 35 and 25 per cent salary increase for tertiary institutions workers. The last salary increase for academic staff in Polytechnics occurred in 2010, and despite negotiations and agreements, the government had not implemented the proposed increments by January 2024.
In conclusion, Kpanja urged the government to promptly address the outstanding issues to prevent escalating tensions in the sector. He warned that if the government failed to act positively within a reasonable timeframe, the union would convene its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to consider further actions, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these issues to avert a potential strike.
