The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics has raised alarm over the federal government’s continued failure to clear outstanding promotion arrears owed to polytechnic workers, warning that the situation is worsening the hardship faced by staff across the country.
The union also expressed concern over escalating insecurity, rising economic pressure, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare.
Speaking at the 78th General Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, the National President of SSANIP, Philip Ogunsipe, criticised the government for delaying critical reforms in the polytechnic sector.
He lamented “the prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector and the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances by government officials.”
Ogunsipe added that the government had also failed to release the 2023 NEEDS Assessment funds earmarked for infrastructural development across polytechnics.
The SSANIP president further faulted the National Board for Technical Education for submitting the reviewed Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education without due consultation, describing the move as “a deviation from agreed procedures and a serious breach of trust with labour unions.”
According to him, outstanding debts include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that continuous neglect of non-academic staff could result in a national industrial crisis.
The National Secretary, Nura Gaya, also urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, while encouraging workers to remain committed to their duties. Similarly, National Trustee, Godwin Ikhide, advised union members to maintain high performance and called for unity among labour groups.
SSANIP has since intensified its push for improved welfare, full implementation of new service schemes, and payment of all accumulated arrears. The union cautioned that failure to address its demands promptly could trigger industrial action across polytechnics nationwide.
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