Esther Imonmion
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s failure to pay outstanding promotion arrears and other entitlements owed to polytechnic workers.
The union raised the alarm on Thursday during its 78th General Executive Council (GEC) meeting held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja.
Addressing the meeting, SSANIP National President, Philip Ogunsipe, 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 from government officials.
Ogunsipe also decried the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in polytechnics nationwide.
He condemned the recent unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to the Federal Ministry of Education, describing the move as a deviation from agreed procedures and a breach of trust with labour unions.
The SSANIP president listed outstanding entitlements owed to workers to include promotion arrears, 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Ogunsipe appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to address the challenges facing non-academic staff in polytechnics, warning that continued neglect could trigger industrial unrest.
Also speaking at the meeting, the National Secretary of SSANIP, Nura Gaya, urged the Federal Government to act decisively on the issues confronting non-teaching staff, while encouraging workers to remain committed to their duties.
The National Trustee of the union, Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to sustain peak performance and advised labour unions to remain united in the pursuit of common goals.
SSANIP is currently advocating improved welfare and working conditions for its members and has warned that continued neglect of its demands may result in industrial action.