Polytechnic Staff Protest Non-Payment of Promotion Arrears

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has raised strong concerns over the government’s failure to settle outstanding promotion arrears owed to polytechnic workers nationwide.

The union also expressed worry about rising insecurity, economic hardship, and continued threats to workers’ welfare.

Speaking at the 78th General Executive Council Meeting of the association held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, on Thursday, SSANIP National President, Philip Ogunsipe, criticised the prolonged delay in the release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the polytechnic sector, as well as the slow pace in renegotiating the 2010 Agreement despite multiple assurances from officials.

He further lamented the non-disbursement of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds intended for infrastructure development in polytechnics, describing it as a setback to educational growth.

Ogunsipe condemned the National Board for Technical Education’s unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education, calling it a breach of established procedures and a violation of trust between government and labour unions.

He noted that outstanding payments owed to staff include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.

The SSANIP President appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the concerns of non-academic polytechnic staff are urgently addressed, warning that prolonged neglect could trigger industrial action.

SSANIP National Secretary, Nura Gaya, also urged the Federal Government to act promptly on issues affecting non-teaching personnel, while encouraging workers to remain steadfast and committed to duty.

Similarly, the National Trustee, Godwin Ikhide, advised members to maintain productivity and called for unity among labour unions as they push for improved working conditions.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating better welfare, timely policy implementation, and fair treatment for polytechnic staff across the country.