Polytechnic Lecturers Begin Indefinite Nationwide Strike

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), on Monday, paralysed academic activities in institutions across the country by announcing a “total and comprehensive indefinite” strike.

The union said the decision is due to the federal government’s failure to fulfil the outstanding agreement made with it.

Lecture halls and offices were said to be under lock and key on Tuesday in campuses across the nation.

The National President of the union, Usman Dutse, who confirmed the report, said there was a meeting between the union and ministry of labour on October 16 with an agreement to develop a memorandum of understanding to resolve the issues.

“We were told by the federal ministry of labour that a memorandum of understanding will be given, but we’ve not gotten one till date and that is why our members say there is no seriousness on the side of the government,” Mr. Dutse said.

The ASUP National President however disclosed that a second meeting with the Federal Government has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 15.

“All academic activities will be suspended during the strike,” he said.

“Our union is constrained to lament that our sector is on the verge of collapse and needs all the emergency attention it urgently deserves.”