Polytechnic lecturers withdraw strike ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has reversed its decision to down tools following what it described as a “fruitful” discussions with the Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, and the House of Representatives Committee on Education.

The union had a two-hour meeting with Mr. Shekarau and another meeting with the education committee of the House of Reps.

The National Publicity secretary of ASUP, Clement Chirman, told reporters that the union’s negotiation team will relay the outcome of the meetings to the ASUP’s National Executive Council.

While calling on union members to continue to perform their lawful duties, he said the union and government will continue to dialogue in resolving all outstanding issues.

ASUP had been protesting a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, suspending the implementation of CONTISS 15 in polytechnics, and the decisions by the governing councils of Federal polytechnics Oko in Anambra State and Ado, in Ado- Ekiti​,​ to suspend all union activities in the institutions and the sack of union leaders.

Mr. Chirman said the Minister of Education has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the circular suspending CONTISS 15 and the restoration of union activities in the affected institutions.

Mr. Chirman also said Mr. Shekarau also assured that the ministry will look into all other demands, which border on increased funding for polytechnics and improved staff welfare.

Mr. Chirman added that the lawmakers have agreed to expedite action on other demands of the lecturers which also include the passing into law a bill establishing a National Polytechnic Commission.