By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
ASUP demands suspension of new Service scheme
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Auchi Polytechnic chapter in Edo State, has called for the immediate suspension of the new Scheme of Service for Nigerian Polytechnics, which was implemented on June 7, 2024.
Lecturers argue that the new scheme hinders the growth and development of polytechnic education and negatively affects their career progression. During a recent meeting, chapter chairman Bamidele Osamudiamen emphasized that recent sector gains could be undone by the new policy.
Osamudiamen highlighted concerns that the scheme would exacerbate the HND-BSc dichotomy and promote discrimination against HND holders in favor of university degree holders. He criticized the new career progression guide, stating, “The unfair career progression guide, particularly for teaching and non-teaching staff, is a recipe for crisis as it does not reflect appropriate remuneration.”
He also pointed out that the scheme unjustifiably extends the lecturer career progression from seven to nine steps, adding an extra year for promotion to the final levels. “This means anyone on the lecturer cadre will now endure a minimum of 26 years to reach the highest level, which deviates from the norm in other sectors,” Osamudiamen added.
Osamudiamen warned that ASUP is prepared to take industrial action if the government does not revert the scheme. “Starting from Monday, we will initiate protests against the new scheme, followed by a strike action,” he noted.
The Polytechnic’s Rector, Salisu Umar, supported the lecturers, commending the national body of polytechnic lecturers for their stance and urging for the scheme to be discarded. He warned that the new policy could jeopardize polytechnic education in Nigeria.
ASUP Demands Suspension of New Service Scheme