The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised alarm bells, accusing senior federal officials of orchestrating a scheme that threatens the very existence of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

Following a critical National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, ASUP issued a stern 15-day ultimatum to both federal and state governments to halt the implementation of contentious elements in the newly reviewed scheme of service for polytechnics, or face industrial action.

ASUP has described the recently approved Scheme of Service, endorsed by the Head of Service of the Federation, as severely detrimental to the interests and growth of professionals within the polytechnic sector.

The union asserts that the document deviates significantly from the one originally developed by stakeholders under the guidance of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

In a communique titled, “Contentious Document on Schemes of Service for Polytechnics,” ASUP’s National President, Shammah Kpanja, voiced the union’s grievances. According to Kpanja, the document, which was supposed to reflect the outcome of years of consultative engagements, instead contains numerous provisions that fall short of expected standards.

“We are issuing a 15-day ultimatum, effective from Monday, July 8, 2024, to the proprietors of all public polytechnics. The NBTE must suspend the implementation of the identified provisions until necessary amendments are made,” declared Kpanja.

ASUP has questioned the legal integrity of the approval process for the revised scheme, specifically criticizing the role of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of The Federation (OHCSoF) as the approving authority. The union argues that this role is unacceptable and legally questionable.

The union’s communique also highlighted several discriminatory practices entrenched within the revised document. These include: discriminatory entry points into the Lecturer cadre for Bachelor’s degree holders versus Higher National Diploma (HND) holders; lowering the career progression bar for HND holders in both teaching and non-teaching cadres; discrimination against HND holders in the appointment of Registrars and Bursars, irrespective of their possession of higher-level certificates; and the classification of technologists as non-teaching staff, among other issues.

ASUP has called for its zones and chapters to mobilize members for potential actions, which may include congresses, peaceful protests, and media campaigns within the 15-day ultimatum period. The union’s NEC is prepared to reconvene at the end of this period to decide on a specific and legitimate course of action.

With these strong allegations and looming threats of industrial unrest, the coming days are critical for the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. All eyes are on the federal and state governments to see if they will respond to ASUP’s demands or face a potential crisis that could disrupt the educational sector. Stay tuned as this story develops.