Poly Lecturers Threaten Strike Over New Service Scheme

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in Zone B has issued a stern warning regarding the new scheme of service implemented by the Head of Service of the Federation through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). According to the union, the scheme, which was unveiled recently, is deemed unacceptable and has sparked significant concerns among polytechnic lecturers. 

In a press briefing held at Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, Simji Lumpye, laid out the union’s grievances and outlined their demands. The issues raised reflect deep dissatisfaction with the current changes, which the union argues are detrimental to the academic staff and the education sector as a whole.

   The union argues that the responsibility for drafting and approving the scheme of service should not rest solely with the Head of Service. They contend that this process should involve broader stakeholder engagement, including representatives from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics. The union believes that the exclusion of key stakeholders undermines the relevance and effectiveness of the scheme.

   A major point of contention is the dichotomy in the entry point for graduate assistants into the polytechnic lecturer cadre. The union rejects the segmentation, arguing that it creates unnecessary barriers and complications for new entrants into the academic profession. They assert that this division hinders the career progression of young academics and introduces unfair distinctions.

   The union is also critical of the preference given to Bachelor's degrees over Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates for the appointment of registrars and bursars. They view this as a discriminatory practice that undermines the value of HND qualifications and perpetuates bias within the system.

   The new scheme introduces a nine-step structure for lecturer progression, which the union argues significantly elongates the career path. They express concern that it will take a minimum of 26 years to reach the top-most level. The union demands a return to the previous structure to prevent unnecessary delays and complications in career advancement.

   The extension of promotion timelines beyond the senior lecturer level to a minimum of four years is seen as demoralizing. The union argues that these extended periods between promotions undermine the motivation of lecturers and do not reflect their contributions and achievements.

   The introduction of national skills qualifications as a mandatory requirement for academic advancement is another major point of contention. The union deems this requirement as insensitive and lacking relevance in the academic sector. They argue that it imposes an additional burden on lecturers without providing proportional benefits or justifications for its inclusion.

   The deliberate exclusion of Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmaceutical Technology from the scheme, despite an existing court order, is described as a gross violation of the rule of law. The union demands that the NBTE rectify this omission and reinstate HND pharmaceutical technologists into the scheme.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has made it clear that if their demands are not addressed, they will consider initiating a strike. The union's leadership is calling for an urgent review of the new scheme of service, with a focus on inclusive dialogue and the rectification of the issues highlighted. They stress the need for a collaborative approach in revising the scheme to ensure it serves the interests of all stakeholders involved.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics in Zone B has raised significant concerns regarding the new scheme of service and its implications for polytechnic lecturers. Their grievances highlight broader issues of fairness, career progression, and legal compliance that need to be addressed urgently. The union’s readiness to strike underscores the seriousness of their concerns and the need for a prompt and effective response from the authorities.

As the situation develops, it will be crucial for the National Board for Technical Education and other relevant bodies to engage with the union and other stakeholders to resolve these issues amicably. The resolution of these disputes will play a critical role in ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of the polytechnic education sector.