The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its
strike after two months. Usman Dutse, ASUP National President, announced
this at a media briefing held at the end of its National Executive
Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja today.
He noted that the decision was taken in view of the progress made in
its discussions with Nigerian government. He said: “We have hereby
decided to suspend our two-month strike. This decision was taken at the
end of our National Executive Council meeting. 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.”
Dutse stated that the government had shown willingness to make funds
available for disbursement by April 2019. He also added that
N16.7billion has been released for the payment of salaries and
allowances.
“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. 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 said.
Dutse noted that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike if
the government fails to review the Memorandum of Action and ensure full
implementation before end of May 2019.