Lecturers in Polytechnics in Nigeria,under the banner of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, have given the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to agree to its series of unresolved issues besetting the sector.
The association warned that failure to meet its grievances may lead to industrial action that could disrupt academic activities in the country.
ASUP listed key demands to comprise establishment of a dedicated regulatory body, the National Polytechnics Commission, similar to those governing universities and colleges of education.
It said it was disappointed over what it described as delays in the legislative process needed to actualize the commission.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Friday, ASUP President, Comrade Shammah Kpanja, appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to fasktrack the transmission of the executive bill to the National Assembly.
The union expressed worries over the disparity in the treatment of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders compared to university degree holders.
“The union may be compelled to declare a trade dispute and withdraw services across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide should these issues remain unresolved,” the ASUP leadership warned.
