…insists on establishment of national commission for polytechnics
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has accused governments at all levels of failing to give adequate attention to the challenges and welfare needs of polytechnic workers.
Shammah Skpanja, National President of ASUP stated this in Jos, Plateau State capital on Thursday during the 18th National Delegates Conference of the union.
SKpanja said polytechnic staff were being shortchanged, noting that even in Plateau State, the approved 25 and 35 percent wage awards had yet to be implemented.
He added that although the Federal Government had implemented its own wage award, the arrears for one year were still outstanding. The ASUP President urged authorities to conclude ongoing negotiations with the union and ensure the full implementation of any agreement reached.
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He explained that the polytechnic sector continued to face structural and welfare-related challenges. According to him, one of the major issues is the absence of a dedicated regulatory body for polytechnics, despite similar commissions existing for universities and colleges of education.
He insisted that establishing a National Commission for Polytechnics was necessary to strengthen quality assurance across the sector.
Declaring the conference open, Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State governor, represented by Josephine Piyo, his deputy, said the administration places high priority on education.
Mutfwang encouraged delegates to take decisions that would strengthen the union and enhance the future of technical education in the country.
The governor said, “trade unions must evolve in a fast-changing world driven by technology and global competition”. He advised ASUP members to see themselves as partners in governance rather than adversaries, and to invest in training, ethical leadership and the development of young professionals.
Earlier, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, represented by Joel Okama, commended the leadership of ASUP for its stability and urged delegates to conduct their activities peacefully.
The ASUP National Delegates Conference, described as the union’s highest decision-making body, is expected to elect new national executives who will lead the union for the next two years at the end of the ongoing meeting in Jos.
