Nigerian polytechnic workers warn of strike over unmet demands

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), President Philip Ogunsipe has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the grievances of non-academic staff in polytechnics.

SSANIP warned that continued neglect in payment of outstanding promotion arrears to polytechnic workers could trigger industrial unrest, owing to worsening insecurity, growing economic hardship, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare across the country.

Ogunsipe made this known at the 78th General Executive Council meeting of the union, held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The SSANIP president in his address stated, “The prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector and the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances by government officials.

“Similarly, we lament the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in Polytechnics.”

Ogunsipe condemned the National Board for Technical Education’s unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education, calling it a deviation from agreed procedures and a serious breach of trust with labour unions.

“Some of the outstanding arrears owed to polytechnic staff include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage,” he said.

The union leader, Ogunsipe, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the grievances of non-academic staff in Polytechnics, warning that continued neglect could trigger industrial unrest.

SSANIP National Secretary, Nura Gaya, also urged the Federal Government to act decisively on the challenges facing non-teaching staff, while encouraging workers to remain committed to their duties.

Lending his voices the National Trustee of the union, Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to sustain peak performance and advised labour unions to remain united in pursuit of common goals.

SSANIP is currently advocating for improved welfare and working conditions for its members, citing prolonged delays in the release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service and renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement.

The union is seeking payment of outstanding arrears, including promotion and salary review arrears, and implementation of the new national minimum wage.

The poly senior staff warns that neglecting these demands may lead to industrial unrest, and appeals to the federal government to intervene and address polytechnic staff grievances.