The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced plans to shut down all polytechnics across Nigeria by December 2, 2024, if the federal government fails to meet its pressing demands.
According to Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum on October 6, outlining critical demands that include releasing the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, implementing the approved 25/35% salary review, and resolving arrears linked to CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres.
“The silence and inaction from the federal government have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions,” Comrade Abdullahi stated during a news briefing in Kaduna.
He emphasized that inadequate funding, unpaid allowances, and promotion arrears have hindered the progress of polytechnics, warning that the survival of the education sector depends on urgent government intervention.
The union has urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent the looming crisis, highlighting that education should remain a national priority to safeguard the future of students and institutions alike.
