POLY STRIKE: FG Finally Speaks on ASUP Strike

POLY STRIKE: FG Speaks on ASUP STRIKE, Reveals when Strike might be Called Off.

The Federal Government (FG) through the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has disclosed that FG has resolved all issues and await the academic unions to also call off their strike in the coming days, especially ASUU and ASUP.

The has released N16.8 billion to settle outstanding salary arrears of staff in the country’s tertiary institutions.

Malam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, disclosed this during the“Sixth Edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing’’ in Abuja, NAN reports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has been on strike since December 12, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) started Nov.4

But according to the Minister, the Federal Government has reached agreement in the following areas: Review of Polytechnic Act; government awaits the transmittal of the amended document by the National Assembly to Mr. President for his assent.

Others, he said, were revitalisation of polytechnics and colleges of education, renegotiation of the 2010 agreements, saying that government is committed to the revitalisation of facilities in its public tertiary institutions.

The minister also said that the government had directed the Minister of Finance to source for additional funding to the tune of N30 billion for the purpose, with particular reference to polytechnics and colleges of education.

“Also for state owned polytechnics; the National Board for Technical Education has been directed to strengthen its regulatory mechanism including developing a new template for accreditation to address observed weaknesses.

“And to ensure that proprietors of polytechnics including states and private owners meet their obligations to their staff.

“Again as a demonstration of Government’s commitment to continuous dialogue with the staff unions, the ministry will provide alternative funding for the stalled renegotiations in the polytechnics sub- sector.

“The National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education have also been directed to ensure compliance with the approved schedules of meetings with their respective Unions,’’ he said.

Here at Allschool, we pray the ASUP strike is called off soon!