The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Monday reaffirmed its 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the new Scheme of Service in federal polytechnics.
ASUP’s National Executive Council (NEC) issued the ultimatum to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on July 8, 2024, demanding the suspension of the scheme of service document until amendments can be made to align with global standards. The union insists the current document falls short of acceptable standards.
This position was communicated during an emergency Zonal Executive Council (Zone C) briefing at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). Zone C Coordinator, Comrade Adekunle Masopa, criticized the inclusion of retrogressive provisions affecting polytechnic graduates, workforce, and the sector in general, noting that these provisions pose existential threats to polytechnic education.
Masopa highlighted that the document does not reflect the inputs from stakeholders during deliberations overseen by the regulatory body. He questioned the approval process and accused NBTE of overstepping the governing councils’ authority, which is protected under Section 3 (1) of the Federal Polytechnics Act 2024, amended in 2019.
He further criticized the requirement of the National Skill Qualification (NSQ) for career progression of academic staff, deeming it absurd and derogatory. The NSQ, according to Masopa, retains unacceptable titles for lecturers and librarian cadres, deviating from global standards.
The document also exacerbates discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in favor of Bachelor’s degree holders, evident in disparities in entry points and career progression for HND and BSc holders. Additionally, it unjustly extends the career advancement period for academic staff from 18 to 26 years, unlike other education subsectors in Nigeria.
ASUP also condemned NBTE’s agreement with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria regarding the status of Pharmaceutical Technology, which jeopardizes the future of HND holders in this field and discourages further enrollment.
The union called out NBTE for neglecting its regulatory responsibilities, particularly in the appointment of principal officers at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, urging regulatory intervention. They also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to establish a commission for polytechnics and implement a dual mandate structure to enable polytechnics to offer degree programs.
ASUP National President, Comrade Kpanja Shammah, reiterated that the ultimatum would expire on Sunday, July 21. If there is no government response, the union will convene a congress to decide on further action.
Shammah emphasized that the future of HND education hinges on eliminating discrimination: “If discrimination is removed, polytechnics can advance significantly. The current bias against HND holders in the job market discourages enrollment and limits career advancement.”
ASUP’s stance aims to protect the polytechnic sector and ensure equitable treatment for polytechnic graduates in Nigeria.
