The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has urged the Federal Government to conclude discussions on the renegotiation of ASUP/FGN agreement.
The union urged the government to act with sincerity and responsibility throughout the collective bargaining process.
It said the agreement remains central to achieving lasting industrial harmony in the polytechnic system.
ASUP appealed at its 18th national delegates’ conference (NDC) jointly hosted by Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State.
Shammah Sunday Kpanja was elected the union’s President along with other national officers.
During the meeting, delegates unanimously called for the settlement of all Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) 15 migration arrears owed to lower-cadre academic staff across institutions in the sector.
The union condemned the prolonged delay, describing it as unjust and demoralising while urging relevant authorities to treat this as a matter of priority.
ASUP also hailed the National Assembly for reintroducing the Bill to abolish the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy.
The union urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Bill when passed.
“The NDC underscored the need to end this discriminatory policy to promote fairness, strengthen national unity, and modernise Nigeria’s workforce,” the union said in its communique issued at the end of the meeting.
ASUP also urged the Federal Government to demonstrate renewed and genuine commitment to revitalising the polytechnic system.
The NDC emphasised that the future of technical and vocational education depended on sustained investment.
It demanded the immediate release of approved funds for the second round of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and calls for transparent, equitable, and accountable disbursement to all eligible institutions.
The union also lamented the continued delay in the release of the revised Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service.
The union members maintained that the delay had eroded staff morale and impeded institutional growth.
It called for the immediate approval and implementation of the revised documents, which already reflected agreed standards.
Stating its position on promotion arrears and salary, ASUP urged all proprietors, especially state governments, to prioritise staff welfare by clearing all outstanding obligations, including promotion arrears, salary shortfalls, third-party deductions, and pension liabilities.
Acknowledging recent improvements in some institutions, delegates stressed that complete compliance remained the only acceptable standard.
