Latest – ASUP Suspends Two-Month Old Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its strike after two months of intensive strike action organized by the body over poor funding of Polytechnics nationwide.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) National President, Usman Dutse, announced this latest update at a news briefing held at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja earlier on Tuesday, February 12th.
The ASUP National President, Usman Dutse, made it clear that the decision was taken in view of the progress made in its discussions with the Federal government of Nigeria.
Usman Dutse said in a statement:
“We have hereby decided to suspend our two-month strike. This decision was taken at the end of our National Executive Council meeting. This is in view of the progress made in the course of the union’s negotiations with the government. The NEC of the union, after exhaustive deliberations and in due consultations with the respective congresses across the nation, resolved to suspend the current industrial action.”
The ASUP National President also stated that the government had shown willingness to make funds available for disbursement by April 2019.
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Dutse also stressed that over N16.7billion has been released for the payment of salaries and allowances.
Usman Dutse further stated:
“A circular had also been released to all rectors conveying increased personnel funding for 2019 and directing the payment of full salaries and allowances in Polytechnics. It is expected that the funds shall be made available for disbursement to deserving institutions by April 2019. Equally, the approval of the NEEDS assessment report shall be pursued with all diligence to ensure a sustained and effective intervention in the infrastructure and other needs of our institutions.”
ASUP National President also noted that the body would not hesitate to resume the strike if the government fails to review the Memorandum of Action and ensure full implementation before the end of May 2019.
