Polytechnic lecturers finally suspend strike as FG approves N31.7bn salary shortfall, revitalisation fund
The three-month-old nationwide strike declared by Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has been suspended.
The resolution was passed at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the ASUP headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, sequel to the approval of the sum of N31.7 billion by the Federal Government.
Breakdown of the fund showed the sum of N15 billion was approved in lieu of the NEEDS assessment and additional sum of N16.7 billion as salary shortfalls and promotion arrears.
Usman Dutse, ASUP President who read the communiqué explained that the industrial action was aimed at pressing for implementation of 2017 memorandum of understanding signed with government after the November 2017 strike.
“The request for a revitalization fund of N15 billion had been made by the Honorable Minister of Education in lieu of the NEEDS assessment. The government has equally made a public pronouncement on the issue conveying the government’s approval for the release of the sum as requested. It is expected that the funds shall be available for disbursement to deserving institutions by April, 2019. Equally, the approval of the NEEDS ASSESSMENT report shall be pursued with all diligence to ensure a sustained and effective intervention in the infrastructure and other needs of our institutions.
“Salary shortfall, promotion arrears and payment of allowances: The union was informed of the release of N16.7 billion covering agencies of government, including affected polytechnics cleared by the Presidential Initiative for Continuous Audit for shortfalls and promotion arrears. A circular had also been released to all Rectors conveying increased personnel funding for 2019 and directing the payment of full salaries and allowances in Polytechnics.
“A schedule from the office of the Federal Ministry of Finance containing institutions contained in the phase 1 of the shortfall refund payments has been released. Our union notes that 11 institutions from the sector are cleared to receive funds from the approved tranche. Our union has been reassured that the next phase will contain more institutions.”
On the payment of salaries in state owned institutions, he disclosed that: “The government reported moves to review the instruments for accreditation to include such requirements. The union was informed that NBTE had been directed to cease further regulatory activities in such institutions. Document conveying the implementation of this resolution has been released vide letter ref: C/TEB.97/Vol.II/512 of 4thFebruary, 2019 from the NBTE conveying a review of the guidelines for programme accreditation to include the issue of regular payment of salaries and allowances in institutions. Equally, it was resolved that the union be included in the multi stakeholder forum involving proprietors of all public tertiary institutions to accommodate Polytechnics/ Monotechnics.”
While giving update on the ‘renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement, Dutse explained that the parties “resolved that the renegotiations will recommence in March, 2019 to be concluded within 6 sittings.
“A schedule has been prepared for the recommencement and conclusion of the renegotiation process containing dates of the meetings starting from March and ending in July, 2019.”
“In view of the progress made in the course of the union’s negotiations with government, the National Executive Council of the union, after exhaustive deliberations and in due consultations with the respective congresses across the nation resolved to suspend the current industrial action on the condition that government commits to a reviewed memorandum of action to concretize the resolutions and ensure its full implementation by end of May 2019, failing which the union shall resume the action at its discretion,” the ASUP leader said.
