The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called off its two-week warning strike and directed its members nationwide to resume work on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The industrial action, which began on December 2, 2024, was initiated to pressure the federal government to address unresolved trade disputes. However, the strike was suspended following a conciliation meeting between ASUP and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on December 9.
In a statement signed by ASUP President Kpanja Shamnah, the union announced that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the meeting, with the aim of addressing the grievances outlined in their demands.
The statement read: “Members of the Union and indeed the general public may recall that our Union declared a 2-week definite strike effective 2nd December 2024 over the inability of government through its agencies to execute nine items in the work plan jointly developed with our Union to resolve some pending issues of trade dispute.”
ASUP highlighted that the signed MoU includes a commitment to a follow-up meeting scheduled for January 23, 2025, to assess compliance by both parties and address any outstanding issues. The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) will convene after the follow-up meeting to evaluate the government’s adherence to the agreement and decide on future actions.
Shamnah expressed optimism about the resolution of the issues, urging the government to fulfill its commitments. He also commended union members for their resilience and solidarity during the strike period.
“While we thank and commend our members for their commitment and resilience, it is our Union’s expected hope that the government will diligently work to ensure a fruitful resolution of the issues in dispute,” the statement added.
The strike had disrupted academic activities across polytechnics nationwide, prompting calls from stakeholders for an expedited resolution. With the suspension of the industrial action, academic activities are expected to resume in full, pending further developments after the January 2025 assessment meeting.
ASUP’s leadership reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its members and ensuring improved conditions in the polytechnic education sector.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
