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Tag: Usman Dutse

  • ASUP suspends strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), has suspended its two month old strike.

    Mr. Usman Dutse, ASUP, National President said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, “we have decided to suspend our two month old strike; this decision was taken at the end of our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    “We shall not hesitate to resume the suspended strike should government fail to review the Memorandum of Action (MoA) and ensure full implementation before end of May 2019.

    “This is in view of the progress made in the course of the union’s negotiations with government.

    “The NEC of the union, after exhaustive deliberations and in due consultations with the respective congresses across the nation resolved to suspend the current industrial action.

    “This is based on the condition that government committed to review the Memorandum of Action to concretise the resolutions and ensure its full implementation by end of May 2019, failing which the union shall resume the action at its discretion.”

    Dutse also noted that, the request for a revitalisation fund of N15 billion had been made by the Minister Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu in lieu of the NEEDS assessment.

    He said 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 made 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,” he added.

    The union president also said on the issue of salary shortfall, promotion arrears and allowances that N16.7 billion has been released.

    According to him, 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.

    Read Also: Who cares about ASUU, ASUP strike?

    “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 one 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.

    ”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 4th February, 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,” he said.

    He said that it was equally resolved that the union be included in the multi stakeholder forum involving proprietors of all public tertiary institutions to accommodate Polytechnics/Monotechnics.

    Dutse added that, it was agreed that the documents currently before the Head of Civil Service of the Federation be retrieved and reviewed to address the concerns of the union, and be presented to the board of the NBTE before the end of March, 2019 for approval.

    NAN

     

  • Poly lecturers commence indefinite strike

    Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has commenced an indefinite industrial in protest against what it described as consistent failure on the part of the government to implement agreements it willingly signed with the union since 2010 and constant efforts to derail the Polytechnic sector.

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, National President of the Usman Dutse said since 2010 when the agreement was signed between the union and government, they have been in consistent engagement with the government leading to the signing of several memorandum which the government has constantly failed to implement.

    Dutse said the issues in contention include Conditions of members of the union; review of obsolete legal regimes and other policy documents which serve as governing instruments in the sector; non-existence/deplorable state of the existing facilities including classrooms, libraries, students’ hostels, laboratories, workshops, studios and office accommodation etc; discriminatory policies against the Sector and its products, victimization of union leaders and non payment of members’ salaries in several states.

    According to him, “For each of these outlined above, the government has always agreed to implement agreements aimed at the requisite interventions and a turn around of the sector. Regrettably, its been a consistent story of woes and disappointments.

    Read Also: Polytechnic lecturers suspend planned strike

    “The issues in contention are well rehearsed, taking roots in the provisions of the originating document (2010 ASUP/FGN Agreement). To make matters worse, government has been making fresh inroads in its penchant for undermining the sector by pursuing the implementation of policies with the ultimate aim of treating symptoms of an ailment and at the same time allowing same ailment to devour the diseased sector.”

    He said further that other grievances of the union include the non implementation of the NEEDS assessment report, non payment of salaries of state owned Polytechnics, non-payment of allowances and shortfall in personnel releases to Polytechnics, the non release of the reviewed scheme of service and condition of service as well as the delay in assenting to the reviewed Polytechnics Act among others.

    He said that the union has been left with no other option than the painful path of embarking on an indefinite strike in its bid to save the sector from collapse and asked Nigerians to address the issues, asking members to remain steadfast.

  • LASPOTECH shuns ASUP strike

    The academic staff of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, have defiled the ongoing nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) on Wednesday.

    ASUP had declared to commence a comprehensive and indefinite strike from Dec. 12 in all the nation’s polytechnics to compel the government to meet their demands.

    Mr Usman Dutse, the National President of the union, had said that the strike became necessary following the failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 and 2017 agreements reached with the union.

    Mr Salami Olugbenga, the embattled Vice-Chairman, ASUP, LASPOTHECH chapter, told NAN in Lagos that they could not join the strike because there was no organ of the union on ground in the polytechnic since December 2017.

    Olugbenga said this was as a result of an internal crisis between the union and the polytechnic’s management which had yet to be resolved by the court.

    “We are not on strike because we have some internal wranglings with the management sometime last year which is still in court.

    “We can’t join the strike because there is no organ of the union on ground for now,” he said.

    Read Also: LASPOTECH gets licence for radio station

    The vice-chairman said the management had also stopped the check-off dues of the union members since Dec. 2017 and that there was nothing the members could do about it even though they were unsatisfied.

    “Our members at some point were looking up to ASUP National to wade into the matter and resolve it, unfortunately, the national body is seriously disappointing.

    “The national came to LASPOTECH at some point and met the Rector, maybe because the rector was so adamant and the case was already in court, they felt there was nothing they could do about it,” he said.

    Olugbenga said the polytechnic had attempted to withdrew the case but the union executives knowing that this would enable the management to clamp down heavily on some of them, refused and filed a counter claim.

    He said the management had also demanded that the court grant them right to demigrate the union members from CONTISS 15 Salary Structure as agreed between ASUP and Federal Government in 2009.

    According to him, the management claimed that the ASUP, LASPOTHECH chapter, forced it into signing the agreement and that was why they could not pay the arrears.

    The unionist said the counter claim filed by the union’s embattled executives enabled the court to order that all issues between the union and the management return to status quo and be implemented as such until the court judgement.

    “Since then, all issues remained as before to avoid contempt of the court, our salary is paid in line with CONTISS 15 but the arrears since 2009 remain on paid.

    “The union had appeared again in court on Dec. 6, but unfortunately the court could not sit,” he said.

    Reacting, The Polytechnic Spokesman, Mr Olarewaju Kuye, also confirmed to NAN that the institution was not on strike.

    Kuye said that the issues between the union and the polytechnic management were still in court and so they await the court decision.

    He, however, dismissed the claim that the union check-off due was indiscriminately stopped.

    Kuye explained that the management had called on the unions to renew the mandate of their members last year to enable it to continue to deduct the dues of their members.

    A check by our reporter reveals that activities in the Polytechnic were normal as both lecturers and students were seen going about their businesses as usual.

    NAN

  • ASUP to begin indefinite strike tomorrow

    There are indications that members of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), in the country will begin a nationwide strike tomorrow.

    A statement issued and signed by the President of the Union,  Usman Dutse which was made available to the Nation in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital on Monday said the resolution was reach at ASUP 93rd National Executive Council(NEC), meeting held in Yaba college of Technology,  Lagos State last month.

    The action is apparently in continuation of last year suspended strike by ASUP, to drive home the 10-point demand of the group.

    Dutse who said that the failure of the Federal Government and the Minister of Education led by Alhj. Adamu Adamu to comply with the agreements reached  between the group and the FG,  through the minister last year was reason for the planned resumed industrial action, hinted that the action will be total and indefinite until all the demands of the group are met.

    He said,  “It is in view of our union that the government has at beat paid lip service towards the solution of the issues that Led to the previous strike actions, leaving the union with no other alternative than to resume the suspended strike action.

    “I am therefore directed to communicate the resolution of NEC of our union to the effect that our member’s nationwide shall be withdrawing their services from December 12, 2018 in a comprehensive and total strike, until the issues are satisfactorily addressed.” he stated.

    Some the issues listed are the non-implementation of NEED ASSESSMENT report of 2014, as agreed with the minister at the meeting of October 2017, lack of seriousness in the renegotiation if the Union’s 2010 agreement.

    “Non release of arrears of CONTISS 15, migration arrears for the lower cadre. Non release of arrears of promotions and shortfalls in personnel releases as well as nonpayment of allowances.”

    Others he said include, “Nonpayment of salaries in many state owned polytechnics, nonpayment of union check off dues pension deductions and other statutory deductions from staff salaries to the appropriate bodies, continues victimization of union officers among others.

    The group vowed never to allow themselves to be deceived again by the government.

    He called on all his members across the country to withdraw their services from 12 midnight today (Tuesday) in full commencement of the action.

  • Sexual harassment: ASUP calls for investigation in tertiary institutions

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP ) on Tuesday urged the management and governing council of tertiary institutions to conduct thorough investigation into cases of sexual harassment.

    Mr Usman Dutse, National President of ASUP, made the plea in an interview with our reporter in Lagos.

    Dutse said that the union would not defend any lecturer caught involved in act of sexual harassment or abuse against their students.

    Commenting on recent incidence of sexual harassment in some universities, ASUP president said that the union had made its stance clear to all members of the union over the disrespectful act.

    ASUP president said that the union was working with the management in various institutions to curtail and punish all those involved in these kinds of activities.

    He said any lecturer involved in sexual harassment has abused the ethical conduct and practice of lecturing in higher institutions and should be made to face the consequences.

    Dutse said: “What we are asking for is adequate investigation and nobody should be punished without thorough investigation.

    “If you punish a suspect without adequate proof and evidences, it is another offence and also a violation.

    “We should avoid victimisation because in some cases, it may be a setup or gang-up.”

    The ASUP president warned lecturers to avoid any unethical practice that could ridicule the profession.

    “This do occur in almost all tertiary institutions, and even, in the basic primary and secondary schools.

    “There are instances where principals, teachers and heads masters in primary schools molest their pupils, talk less of tertiary institutions where there are matured youths.

    “It is an unfortunate incident; as a union, we condemned it in totality, it is a bad behaviour.

    “We always discourage our members from participating in such act and the union will never support any member that is involved in that kind of activities.

    “We have made our position known to our members, because it is unethical for a lecturer to be involved in any sexual abuse or harassment.

    “As a lecturer, you are a teacher, a father, a guardian and a mentor.

    “The relationship of lecturer is not only in the area of academic and mentor, but both spiritual and social; so you need to serve as a father, guide and counsel,” he said.

  • ASUP optimistic of resolving lingering issues with FG in 2018

    ASUP optimistic of resolving lingering issues with FG in 2018

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP ) says it will intensify efforts to ensure that all lingering issues between the union and the Federal Government are resolved in 2018.

    Mr Usman Dutse, ASUP National President, said on Friday in Lagos that the union would build on the successes recorded in 2017.

    Dutse said the issue of the amendment of Polytechnic Act would be brought to the front burner, while the controversy over HND\B. Sc dichotomy would be resolved completely.

    He said the ongoing negotiation between the union and the federal government would be completed as early as possible in 2018 for onward implementation.

    “There are some major things on the front burner in 2017 and we have already reached an agreement and signed a Memorandum of Settlement and Action with the federal government.

    “Some of the things agreed upon, I believe, will be implemented immediately after the festivities. We hope to build on all our achievements in the new year.

    “Our grievances with government include non-implementation of the NEEDS assessment report, non-passage of the Polytechnics Act Amendment Bill, sorry state of state-owned institutions and shortfalls in personnel cost releases.

    Read also: Breaking: ASUP suspends nationwide strike

    “Others are withdrawal of allowances, non release of CONTISS 15 migration arrears, infractions in the appointment of rectors, and continued victimisation of union officers,“ Dutse said.

    On the 2018 budget, the union leader said the allocation to the education sector was grossly inadequate.

    He urged government to consider implementing the 26 per cent UNESCO recommendation to improve the sector.

    “Sincerely, we have said it severally that what the federal government is giving is grossly inadequate and will not bring the desired change.

    “Already, there are complaints of underfunding and the amount allocated is always changing in spite of the increase in the total budget.

    “We doubt the commitment of the federal government to improve education because we cannot do anything without funds.

    “Education, especially technical and vocational education, is capital intensive but what they are allocating is always shrinking and inadequate,’’ he said.

    Dutse added that the budget was not commensurate with the desired change required in the sector.

    “Government should not expect any exceptional performance with the allocation; with the present economy situation, the budget is just a drop in the mighty ocean.

    “Government should show more commitment; they should attach more priority to education and we will achieve the goal and the actual policy on education.

    NAN

  • Polytechnic lecturers knock JAMB over cut-off mark

    Polytechnic lecturers knock JAMB over cut-off mark

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) said on Friday the new cut-off mark for admission into universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education would adversely affect the standard of education in the country.

    The president of ASUP, Usman Dutse, said in Lagos the union did not buy the decision of JAMB and what it intended to achieve with the development.

    The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had on Tuesday announced 120 as minimum cut-off point for admission into degree-awarding institutions in the country.

    The cut-off mark for admission into polytechnics and colleges of education was fixed at 100.

    Oloyede, however, said the institutions are at liberty to raise their cut off marks for admission above the minimum benchmark set by the board.

    Dutse, in his reaction, said, “We believe that the cut-off mark is too low, and if adopted by institutions, will affect standard and value will be eroded.

    “In the past, for various institutions we have in Nigeria, even the 180 cut-off mark approved by JAMB was found too low and now they are bringing it down to 120-100.

    “For any examination in the world and any global ranking, there is nowhere 25 per cent is used as pass mark.

    “We do not know what the bases are and what it (JAMB) intends to achieve.

    “The suggested cut-off mark is not good for the development of education and the candidates,’’ the ASUP president said.

    He faulted JAMB on its position that the cut-off mark is a minimum benchmark and institutions can increase it.

    The ASUP chief said if that was the case, institutions should be allowed to admit and set examinations for candidates.

    NAN

  • Polytechnic lecturers threaten fresh nationwide strike

    Polytechnic lecturers threaten fresh nationwide strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is once again ready to draw a battle line with the federal government over government failure to implement the terms of agreement with the union, and continuous payment of half salaries to the Polytechnic workers.

    The National President of the union, Comrade Usman Dutse told newsmen in Abuja at the weekend that the union can no longer guarantee industrial peace in the nation’s Polytechnic sector, saying the condition of members of the union was going from bad to worse on a daily basis as a result of neglect by government.

    Comrade Dutse said ASUP members can no longer bear the hardship brought to them by government as a result of receiving salaries in fraction since 2016, adding that even though government promised to address the challenges in the sector which started since January 2016 till date, the situation is getting worst with an increment in the quantum of cut.

    He said the union will be holding its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting third week of March 2017 to deliberate on the way forward, stressing that “apart from the outstanding challenge we have with government, there are new development that crop up last year. This is the issue of shortfall in personnel, from January 2016 we started observing shortfall in our personnel this led to our members collecting fraction of their salaries with the promises that it would be ratified.

    “They told us by January this year the matter will be resolve, but it has not changed. But in February, we were told the situation is getting worst because the quantum of the cut has increase significantly and it would create more hardship and sufferings for our members.

     “So we want to use this medium to tell government that we have been patient enough as we have been suffering and smiling for too long. And we also want to warn that if these issues continue, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the Polytechnic sub sector of the education system.

    “Government should keep to their word by fulfilling their promises. This is our right because we have worked for it. Anytime we start agitation, they will talk about no work, no pay. So we want to assure them that if they continue cutting our salaries, we too will cut our services because for every service we render, we deserve to be compensated.

    “We are all aware that the economy hardship in the country is biting and so if you get less than what you use to received, the situation will be worst for you. So sincerely, we want to tell government to give us what we deserve and make sure that our members do not suffer any longer because we are not going to allow that to continue. We are going to take action that will protect and defend the interest of our members and system”.

  • ASUP: FG should focus more on technical education

    ASUP: FG should focus more on technical education

    Mr. Usman Dutse, the President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, has advised the Federal Government to give more attention to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in tertiary institutions.

    Dutse made this known on Wednesday in Lagos that funding challenges and inadequate policy framework were affecting the implementation of TVET in schools.

    He also said challenges in the area of technical education had contributed to the high level of unemployment in the country.

    “Technical and vocational training is one of the solutions to the challenges we are facing in the country.

    “TVET provides opportunity for youths to acquire skills they can apply practically and become self employed,’’ the union president said.

    According to him, it is only through diversification and application of appropriate technical skills that the nation’s economy can be diversified and internalised.

    “We need skills in mining, agriculture and industries.

    “Technical and vocational training in these key areas of endeavour can take our country out of the economy recession.’’

    Dutse urged government to commit more resources to technical education.

    He observed that low enrolment of students in polytechnics and colleges of technology had affected technical education and production of skilled manpower.

    The federal government had promised to invest in technical education to build the requisite human capital base for a competitive economy.

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, at a national workshop on technical and vocational training in Nigeria, had reiterated the federal government’s resolve to place emphasis on the area.

    “The Nigerian education system has an important role to play in actualizing government’s desire to nurture and develop the requisite human capital base for a globally-competitive economy.

    “This informs the emphasis the present administration has placed on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education.

    “We will continue to invest and promote this form of education to encourage job creation and employment generation.

    “As a nation, we must face the reality that education today has to be functional, in the sense that it must be structured to meet the requirements for the growth and development of the nation.

    “Education must be purpose-driven toward the development of the individual. This what technical and vocational education guarantees and we will continue to focus on that,’’ he had said.

    The minister had promised that an enabling environment would be created in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for pragmatic private sector involvement.