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ASUP Suspends Indefinite Strike, To Resume Tuesday

The Academic Staff Union of polytechnics ( ASUP) have suspended its over 10month old indefinite strike today, following a National Executive Council meeting of the … Continue reading ASUP Suspends Indefinite Strike, To Resume Tuesday


asup presidentThe Academic Staff Union of polytechnics ( ASUP) have suspended its over 10month old indefinite strike today, following a National Executive Council meeting of the union in Abuja on Friday.

The  Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau had met with the leadership of the Union after which the ASUP National executive committee took the decision to shelve the protracted strike for three months.

President of the union, Mr. Chibuzo Azomugha who confirmed the suspension said all striking lecturers have been directed to resume work with effect from Tuesday the 15th of July, 2014.

“We have directed our chapters to hold congresses on July 14 to take decision and resume work on July 15,” he said.

“The suspension is for only three months to give the new minister some time as requested; we do not want to welcome him with strike. The minister has given us assurance and we want to give him the benefit of a doubt.

“After three months, we will appraise the development,” he added.

At the intervention meeting, Shekarau reminded the striking lecturers of the implication of their action which he said is not in the best interest of the nation.

ASUP raised issues including visitation of the white paper yet to be released by the Federal government and the report of the Needs assessment of Nigerian Polytechnics yet to be implemented since 2012.

The former Kano governor was sworn-in as minister by President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday and assumed duties on Thursday.

ASUP embarked on an indefinite strike in October 2013 over the deplorable state of government-owned polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology.

The polytechnic lecturers also demanded the removal of dichotomy between HND and degree graduates and the release of the White Paper on the needs assessment of polytechnics

Other demands include review of the Polytechnic Act by the National Assembly, payment of CONTISS 15 arrears, improvement in condition of service and infrastructure in schools.

The federal government has met some of the demands, including the inauguration of governing councils and setting up of the needs assessment committees.