Fed Poly Bauchi ASUP supports suspension of new service scheme 15-day ultimatum issue to FG
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Chapter, has solidly supported the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolution calling for immediate suspension of the new schemes of service issued by the Federal Government.
It could be recalled that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has unveiled new schemes of service for all Nigerian polytechnics, operational from June 7, 2024.
Mrs. Esther. Adebitan, Ag. Chairman, ASUP Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Chapter, stated this at a news conference on Wednesday in Bauchi.
She said the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi chapter, during its emergency congress held on July 9, 2024, has solidly supported this resolution and hereby declares the same with the union’s NEC resolution.
“It is noteworthy to point out that a 15-day ultimatum in line with existing labour laws has been served to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education and NBTE effective July 8, 2024.
“To suspend provisions containing these anomalies with a view to the review of such provisions or face diverse forms of industrial action by our Union,” she said.
Adebitan said some sections of the document were undermining the autonomy and standards of polytechnics in the country.
“The union explained that the document, among other things, promoted setbacks to efforts that have been made to address the discriminatory practices and gap between university degree holders and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in the country.
She questioned the authority of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHSCoF) on staff employment in polytechnics, noting that the decision contradicts the processes of the institution.
“Also under contention was the mandatory inclusion of National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) as a prerequisite for academic staff career advancement, which was rejected by the union and labelled as irrelevant to the delivery of polytechnic curricula.
“Our conviction is that the OHCSoF cannot be preparing or approving a document on the career development of staff when she is neither an employer nor a regulator.
“Several provisions in the controversial document eroded gains made in our union’s battle against this condemnable act,” the AG Chairman said.
He, however, expressed deep concern over the impact on career progression and administrative appointments within polytechnics.
