ERC Urges FG to Address ASUP’s Demands, Avert Polytechnic Shutdown
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has urged the Federal Government to swiftly address the grievances of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to prevent an imminent nationwide strike that could further destabilise the education sector.
ASUP had on August 15 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning of a total shutdown of polytechnics if key demands remained unmet.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, highlighted the unresolved issues to include payment of reviewed 25/35 percent salary arrears, implementation of the salary review in state-owned polytechnics, and release of circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on peculiar academic allowances.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the ERC described the union’s demands as legitimate and called on the Tinubu-led administration to meet them without delay.
“The recurring threat of strikes in the education sector is a reflection of the government’s failure in public education. Chronic underfunding has deepened the rot, heightened tension with staff unions, and disrupted academic calendars,” the group stated.
The ERC expressed solidarity with ASUP and other education workers’ unions, insisting that issues of funding, staff welfare, and infrastructure must be urgently addressed. It further called on students’ unions, civil society organisations, and pro-masses groups to support the workers’ struggle.
According to the group, Nigeria has sufficient resources to adequately fund education if public wealth is well managed. It criticised rising tuition fees in public tertiary institutions, noting that such hikes have neither improved students’ learning conditions nor staff welfare.
“We call for a united struggle of all education workers’ unions, students, and pro-masses organizations to secure improved funding, decent pay, functional facilities, and free, quality education. The ERC is ready to play its part in building a united platform against attacks on public education,” the statement added.
© 2025, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.