The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following encouraging actions taken by the Federal Government to address key demands of the union.
The suspension was announced on Sunday in a statement by ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja. The union had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum on August 15, threatening to down tools over issues including unpaid salary arrears, delayed salary adjustments, non-release of promotion arrears, and stalled renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN agreement.
Kpanja explained that the decision to put the strike on hold followed the union’s 115th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 9 to review the government’s response to its ultimatum.
“The union acknowledges progress on several fronts, including the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on Peculiar Academic Allowances,” he stated.
ASUP also noted progress in the 2025 cycle of the NEEDS Assessment intervention, as well as the resumption of meetings of the Polytechnic Implementation Monitoring Committee. Kpanja added that the union was encouraged by the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to include the Polytechnic sector.
The president further commended the Federal Ministry of Education for addressing lingering issues at Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe. He also acknowledged ongoing efforts to release arrears of the 25 and 35 percent salary adjustments and promotion arrears owed to polytechnic staff.
“Consequently, our NEC resolved to put on hold the proposed strike to give the government more time to conclude ongoing actions,” Kpanja said.
He, however, noted that the union would review the situation within six weeks to assess the level of implementation of the government’s commitments.
Kpanja expressed appreciation to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and other officials for their commitment and engagement in resolving the issues affecting the polytechnic sector.