The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has appealed to the federal government as well as other stakeholders to comply with the Polytechnic Act in all institutions for the purposes of uniformity in quality and standards.
In a communiqué issued at the end of her 100th National Executive Council (NEC), the union frowned at government’s decision to disregard the provision of the 2019 amended Act.
The communiqué, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ASUP, Comrade Abdullahi Yelwa also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approval of 15 billion naira as revitalisation fund for Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology by the federal government.
The communiqué read: “The 100th National Executive Council meeting of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic was held at Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State from 12th to 16th July, 2021, NEC extensively discussed critical national issues and observed the following:
“NEC calls on the government and other stakeholders in Technological education to as a matter of urgency ensure the compliance with the provisions of the 2019 amended Polytechnic Act in all institutions for the purposes of uniformity in quality and standards.
“NEC noted with joy the approval of 15 billion naira as revitalisation fund for Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“NEC observed with displeasure the horrendous state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens as amplified by the incessant abduction of staff and students across educational institutions in the country.
“NEC noted with disappointment the insensitivity of governments at all levels over increase in prices of food-stuff and other essential commodities, and the excruciating pains this has brought to the lives of Nigerians.
“NEC frowned at the deplorable condition of roads in parts of the country which serves as major source of road accidents and provides a favourable atmosphere for kidnappers in the country.
“NEC sadly noted the lingering disparity in the implementation of policies between Federal and State-owned Polytechnics/Monotechnics; which adversely affects the uniformity of standards among these institutions.
“NEC noted with dismay unconcern attitude of government to defray the arrears of the national minimum and federal polytechnics, and non-implementation of the minimum wages as well non-payment of arrears in the most states across the country.
“NEC observed with happiness the efforts of the President to grant the 774 Local Governments financial autonomy in Nigeria. This will go a long way in boosting genuine development at the grassroots level.
“NEC appreciates the Senate for the speedy passage of the bill for the removal of dichotomy between HND and B.Sc. While looking forward the concurrence of the House of Representatives.”
