SSANIP threatens action over non-implementation of new scheme of service

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has threatened to down tools if the federal government fails to implement the long-awaited new scheme of service for the polytechnic sub-sector.

In a communique issued at the end of its 75th general executive council meeting, the union acknowledged government’s previous interventions that led to the suspension of its earlier strike, warning, however, that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed if its demands remained unmet.

In the communique signed by SSANIP’s National President, Philip Ogunsipe, and Secretary, Nura Gaya, the union also expressed concerns over prolonged delay in implementation of the new minimum wage, already signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The union lamented the financial strain this has placed on Nigerian workers, and urged the government to expedite the process, warning that the delay is pushing workers into economic hardship.

The council demanded the immediate payment of wage award arrears from March to July 2024, in line with the government’s commitment to sustaining the payments until the new minimum wage is fully implemented.

SSANIP also criticised the overdue arrears of the 25-35 per cent wage increase for federal polytechnic staff and called for its immediate settlement. It also opposed the ongoing trend of converting polytechnics into universities, arguing that such actions undermine Nigeria’s technological education system.

The group said while it supports the establishment of new institutions, replacing polytechnics with universities weaken the country’s ability to develop skilled technical professionals.

SSANIP urged stakeholders to prioritise technological education funding, similar to practices in advanced economies. The communique read in part: “Council expressed its gratitude to ministers of Education, labour and employment, for their timely intervention on the union’s proposed warning strike. While the action was suspended with a strong belief that the right steps would be taken, the union would not guarantee industrial harmony if the agitations of itsng members are not addressed.”