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  • Strike looms at Polytechnics over the non-payment of promotion arrears, others

    Strike looms at Polytechnics over the non-payment of promotion arrears, others

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has threatened to go on strike if the Federal Government fails to address long-standing unmet demands in three weeks.

    The union announced this at its 77th General Executive Council (GEC) meeting at Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano State.

    The union issued a 21-day ultimatum, effective August 27.

    The meeting kicked off on August 26 and concluded yesterday, with issues affecting members’ welfare taking th centre stage.

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    In a communiqué signed by SSANIP’s National President, Philip Ogunsipe and the National Secretary, Sehu Gaya, the union accused the government of paying lip service to the issues.

    Among SSANIP’s demands are: the  release of the new schemes and conditions of service; constitution of the renegotiation committee on the 2010 agreement; non-release of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 NEEDS Assessment funds; non-payment of promotion arrears, 25 to 35 per cent salary review arrears, wage award, and full implementation of the new minimum wage.

    “The council also observed that despite several efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of the above-stated demands, the government has only paid lip service to the issues.

    “Based on the above, the union demands immediate action on the listed issues within 21 days beginning from today, 27th August, 2025, or we will be left with no option but to withdraw our services across the nation,” the communique said.

    The union expressed displeasure over what it called the government’s insincerity in honouring agreements and prioritising the education sector.

  • SSANIP decries delay in review of schemes, conditions of service for polytechnics, TVET

    SSANIP decries delay in review of schemes, conditions of service for polytechnics, TVET

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has expressed concern over the protracted delay in concluding the review of the suspended Schemes and Conditions of Service for Polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

    In a statement signed by its national secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya, SSANIP lamented that the process has extended far beyond reasonable timelines.

    According to the union, the persistent delay has become a matter of serious concern, which has caused undue hardship to its members and placed increasing pressure on its leadership.

    The union appealed to the executive secretary of the National Board for Technical Education to intervene and ensure that the process was concluded without further delay.

    The statement said, “You may recall that following five sittings of the Review Committee, the last of which held between 10th and 15th March 2025, stakeholders, including SSANIP, were invited to a final session scheduled for 7th to 10th April 2025 in Abuja.

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    “Delegates had made necessary preparations and travelled for this important engagement, only to be informed a few hours before the meeting of its abrupt cancellation, without any clear explanation. Subsequently, on 16th May 2025, the Committee Chairman reached out to stakeholders, citing several challenges encountered during the assignment and requesting relevant submissions and supporting documents to justify our positions.

    “We responded promptly and submitted all required materials within the stipulated deadline of 9th June, 2025. Regrettably, despite multiple follow-ups and private assurances, there has been no tangible indication that the Committee will reconvene to conclude this critical assignment.

    “This persistent delay is becoming a matter of serious concern, causing undue hardship for our members and placing increasing pressure on the Union’s leadership.

    “As you are aware, unresolved labour matters often escalate when not addressed in a timely manner. Our members continue to bear the brunt of this situation.

    “We must also inform you that SSANIP’s General Executive Council (GEC) meeting is scheduled for August 2025. At this meeting, critical decisions will be made. Should there be no significant progress by then, the Union may be compelled to declare an industrial dispute on this matter.

    “We therefore passionately appeal to you, Sir, to kindly intervene and ensure that the process is concluded without further delay. SSANIP values the cordial relationship that exists between our Union and the NBTE, and we remain hopeful that our modest disposition and cooperative approach will be met with the attention this lingering matter deserves.”

  • SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023.

    The union urged the government to quicken the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    It also urged the Federal and State Governments to pay without further delay, the arrears of wage award from the month of March to July 2024 in tandem with the promise made by the government that such will be paid till the implementation of the New Minimum Wage.

    The union made the appeal at its 75th quarterly General Executive Council meeting at the Chief James Ibori Auditorium, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State, last month.

    In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsipe and National Secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya, the union commended states that have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay.

    “Council frowns at the unnecessary delay in payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023. Council therefore calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    “Council expresses gratitude to the States which have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their various Institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay for industrial harmony,” SSANIP stated.

    The polytechnic workers also lamented the prolonged delay in the full implementation of the New Minimum Wage since it was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    It said: “The unnecessary delay is causing a lot of financial constraint and economic hardship on Nigerian workers. It therefore appeals on the Federal Government to fast track the process so that workers will not be reduced to beggars as their current take cannot take them home.”

    The union also frowned at the conversion of some polytechnics in the country to universities.

    “Council is miffed by the unnecessary actions of some lawmakers, State Governments and the Federal Governments in converting existing Polytechnics in their constituencies and states to Universities. This may sound good to non-stakeholders but not to us. This is because no country fully matures into being developed without prioritising technological education. Inasmuch as the Union is not averse to siting and creation of new Universities, the Council is not pleased with conversion of existing ones thereby creating a vacuum in technological development of the country.

    “Council therefore calls on the relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of technological advancement of the country by providing more funds to technological education as obtained in other advanced countries of the world,” SSANIP said.

    SSANIP also lauded Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education for their timely interventions on its proposed three-day warning industrial action.

    “While the proposed strike 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 its teeming members are not being treated as has been promised,” SSANIP said.

    The union commended the federal government and the security architecture for the successes recorded in combating the spate of security challenges pervading the country.

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    It enjoined the government to sustain the tempo so as to give all Nigerians, irrespective of their place of abode a sense of belonging devoid of intimidation and harassment.

    SSANIP also backed the proposed ban of tankers carrying 60,000 liters of hydrocarbons from loading at the depots nationwide.

    According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, this is to curtail the incessant loss of lives and properties exacerbated by the recurring accidents and explosions due to overloading of petroleum products.

    “The Council, while supporting this noble gesture called on relevant stakeholders to adhere strictly to this directive for the safety of lives and properties,” SSANIP added.

  • Poly workers drop strike plan after signing MoU with Fed Govt

    Poly workers drop strike plan after signing MoU with Fed Govt

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has suspended its planned three-day warning strike initially scheduled to start yesterday.

    In a statement by its National Secretary, Nura Gaya, the union said the suspension followed a meeting mediated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

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    The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Dingyadi, involved key stakeholders, including representatives of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    The union had expressed concern over the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service in relation to the Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) 15.

    Gaya said there was a robust engagement during the meeting, stressing that the stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the end of the session.

    The union leader said the government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing SSANIP’s concern, including the rightful career progression of non-teaching staff to CONTEDISS.

  • SSANIP laments delay in payment of Nov salary

    SSANIP laments delay in payment of Nov salary

    Polytechnic workers on the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) have expressed disappointment and concerns over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to disburse November salaries to workers of Federal Polytechnics and related institutions across the country.

    In statement signed in Abuja on Tuesday by its National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsip, SSANIP expressed dismay in the delayed payment of the November salary of its members amid the prevailing economic challenges currently being experienced in the country.

    The statement added that the “unwarranted delay has imposed severe financial hardships, further exacerbating the already difficult living conditions faced by Nigerian workers.”

    The statement reads: “The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) expresses disappointment and concerns over the Federal Government’s failure to disburse November salaries to workers of Federal Polytechnics and related Institutions across the nation.

    Read Also: SSANIP laments delayed implementation of new minimum wage

    “This is happening amid the prevailing economic challenges currently being experienced in the country. Timely salary payments are not just essential but critical for the sustenance of our members and their families. This unwarranted delay has imposed severe financial hardships, further exacerbating the already difficult living conditions faced by Nigerian workers.

    “The root cause of this issue (as we are made to understand) appears to be tied to the ongoing migration of payroll systems from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. While this transition was expected to be seamless, the process has been plagued by inefficiencies. There has been no transfer of staff records to facilitate the migration, and essential human capital required to oversee this process remains unfulfilled, leaving Institutions in disarray.

    “SSANIP hereby calls on the Office of the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to urgently address this matter to reassure workers, who are growing increasingly agitated.

    “Our union is resolute in advocating for the welfare of its members and urges the government to take decisive steps to rectify this pressing issue without further delay please.”

  • Poly workers reject 50 per cent IGR deduction by Finance Ministry

    Poly workers reject 50 per cent IGR deduction by Finance Ministry

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has expressed its disapproval at the recent circular regarding the 50% automatic deduction from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Federal Government Owned Enterprises (FGOE) by the Ministry of Finance in line with the Fiscal Responsibility and Finance Act of 2020.

    The polytechnic workers noted that the inclusion of tertiary institutions would “inadvertently undermine the well-intentioned goals of the government.”

    SSANIP made its position known in a statement signed by its National President, Adebanjo Ogunsipe on Saturday in Abuja.

    The workers, therefore, urged the Federal Government to exempt tertiary institutions from the policy.

    The union added that any deviation from “this stance would be detrimental to the already beleaguered education sector.”

    The statement reads: “The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) issues this statement to express its strong disapproval of the recent circular regarding the 50% automatic deduction from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Federal Government Owned Enterprises (FGOE), as directed by the Honourable Minister of Finance.

    “While we acknowledge and support the government’s initiatives to enhance internally generated revenues through appropriate policies, we find it necessary to voice our concerns regarding the inclusion of Tertiary Institutions (polytechnics, universities, and colleges of education) in this directive. We firmly believe that such inclusion would inadvertently undermine the well-intentioned goals of the Government.

    Read Also: Poly workers reject 50% IGR deduction by finance ministry

    “It is crucial to emphasise that the revenues generated by these educational institutions primarily consist of service charges meant to supplement essential services provided to students, including hostel facilities, libraries, health services, sporting activities etc. However, these charges are insufficient to cover the costs of these services, leading to persistent pleas from various stakeholders for increased funding over the years.”

    “Upon seeing the letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Andrew David Adejo (CON), dated November 8, 2023, addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, and the public statement made by the Honourable Minister for Education during the 75th University of Ibadan Founder’s Day Celebration in November 2023, affirming the exclusion of Tertiary Institutions from the policy, we breathed a sigh of relief.

    “We hold the firm belief that the latest circular dated December 28, 2023, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, which includes Tertiary Institutions, may have been an oversight.

    “We hereby urge the government, in the interest of the public, to reconsider her decision and revert to the well-thought-out position that initially excluded Tertiary Institutions from the 50% Automated Deduction Policy. Any deviation from this stance would be detrimental to the already beleaguered education sector.”

  • ASUP, NASU, SSANIP strike ground activities at three Delta Polytechnics

    ASUP, NASU, SSANIP strike ground activities at three Delta Polytechnics

    Academic and other activities in all three Delta state government-owned polytechnics were paralyzed on Thursday as academic and non-academic staff unions of the institutions embark on an indefinite strike over disagreement with the government.

    The joint unions of the three state polytechnics‎ located in Otefe-Oghara, Ogwashi-Uku and Ozoro in the three senatorial districts of the state embarked on the action to protest against alleged failure of the state government and ministry of education to implement discussions on emoluments and conditions of service.

    “As I am talking to you now exams activities that were supposed to start at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku did not hold Thursday.

    “I can also confirm to you that I am in Ozoro now and there is no lecture and all staff have stayed away in obedience to the call to down tools till further notice. The situation is the same in Oghara,” a source at Ozoro said.

    The Academic Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union, (NASU) members said the indefinite strike was to press home their demands in the staled negotiation with the state government.

    Comr. Thomas Ojuye, Chairman of the Joint Union, told newsmen on Wednesday that the State Government failed to revisit understanding reached at the meeting the unions held with the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Jude Sinebe, earlier.

    He lamented the failure of the State government to begin “full implementation of the new revised scheme of services for polytechnics and other similar Tertiary institution in Nigeria, stoppage of promotion from Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Scheme (CONTISS) 11 to 13, non-implementation of migration of technologists, executive and technical officers, instructors and confidential secretaries cadre on CONTISS 12 and above.

    “Migration of CONTISS 11 and below, stoppage of payment of promotion arrears, withdrawal of 65 years retirement policy, dismissal of Chairmen of ASUP and NASU in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and the recent law on the acquisition of PhD certificates as prerequisites for promotion to the post of Chief Lecturer”.

    The statement further added that, “In the light of the above lingering issues since 2014 and the State Government indiscreet disposition to the demands of Staff of the respective polytechnics, after the Union had reached an understanding in the meeting previously held with the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr.Jude Sinebe, with the chairmen of the Governing Council, Rectors and Joint Union Executives of the Delta State owned Polytechnics, Ozoro,Ogwashi-uku,and Otefe-Oghara on Monday 5th June 2017 at the conference Hall, the Ministry of Higher Education, Asaba , hence the action”.

    The Joint Union Chairman, Comrade Thomas Ojuye, strongly advised the Union members to remain steadfast and united as they prepare for a long gihtt to address the challenges facing  the Union.

    He assured them that “victory is not farfetched from them to achieve their aims and objectives.”

     

  • LASPOTECH staff unions resume strike

    LASPOTECH staff unions resume strike

    The Lagos State polytechnic staff unions  (ASUP,SSANIP,NASU) resumed the suspended strike action after the expiration of the 21days ultimatum given to the management to respond to their requests.
    The 21days ultimatum however as elapsed yesterday 4th of June 2017, they would now resume their indefinite strike today.
    All normal academic and non-academic activities would not hold on all campuses.

  • Polys need governing councils, says SSANIP

    THE Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged the Federal Government to set up governing councils in the polytechnics for smooth negotiations.

    The union made their position known at their 52nd National Executive/General Executive Council meeting held at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu.

    Its President, Comrade Sunday Sabo, said the composition of the governing councils would help proffer sound negotiations for the smooth running of the institutions in terms of getting approval for the execution of policies and programmes.

    He lamented that SSANIP had not  effectively conveyed its demands to the government owing to the absence of a committee to negotiate with them.

    He said: ‘’We have our demands and the reason we have not effectively passed our message across is simply because we do not have governing councils in the polytechnics.’’

  • Auchi poly workers suspend strike

    Auchi poly workers suspend strike

    Workers of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi in Edo State have suspended their one month old strike.

    The workers were directed by their various unions to return to work.

    Unions that went on strike in the polytechnic were Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP).

    The unions embarked on the strike over failure of institution’s management to enroll staff of the institution on “CONTISS 15 Migration Salary Structure for Level 11 downward, non-payment of promotion arrears and alleged indebtedness of N1.8billion owed the unions.

    In a communiqué jointly issued after a Joint Action Congress (JAC) meeting the unions directed all staff of the institution to resume their duties.

    The communiqué was signed by Abdulganiyu Braimah (ASUP) Omonekhai Shaka (SSANIP) Solomon Aliabakhalumhe (NASU).

    According to the communique, “Sequel to the deliberations and resolutions reached at the inaugural meeting between the new management led by Dr. Sanusi Jimah and the executive member of the joint unions ASUP, SSANIP and NASU.

    “The current strike embarked upon by the unions on February 6 to press home our demands, we hereby suspend the strike as workers are directed to resume their duties.”