Hello, welcome to Savina Academy. In today’s article we would be clearing the common misconception on this topic: “Does ASUU strike affect polytechnics?”
Many students and the general public argue that ASUU strikes completely affect all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including polytechnics.
In this article we would explain how ASUU strikes affect tertiary institutions in Nigeria, whether or not ASUU strikes affect polytechnics in Nigeria.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is an umbrella that covers the interests of academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities.
It was established in 1978, and it advocates for improved funding and better working conditions.
Over the years, ASUU has become well known for organising nationwide strikes to push the government to respect agreements concerning staff welfare and public university development.
Scope of ASUU Membership
ASUU’s membership is made up of academic staff from Nigeria’s public universities only.
This includes professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, and other teaching staff employed by federal and state-owned universities under the umbrella of ASUU.
It’s important to note that ASUU does not cover staff of polytechnics, colleges of education, or private universities. Each of these tertiary institutions has its own unions, such as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) for polytechnics.
Structure of Polytechnics in Nigeria
Polytechnics are tertiary institutions in Nigeria that focus on providing technical and vocational education.
They offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in fields like engineering, technology, management, and science.
Governing Bodies of Polytechnics
Polytechnics are governed by different bodies than universities and have their own academic union.
Federal Polytechnics are regulated by the Federal Ministry of Education and supervised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
State Polytechnics fall under the jurisdiction of their respective State Ministries of Education and are also regulated by the NBTE.
Private polytechnics must be accredited by the NBTE to ensure they meet national standards.
The NBTE is responsible for maintaining the quality of technical education, setting curriculum standards, and accrediting programmes offered by polytechnics.
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP)
Polytechnics have their own academic union called the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).
ASUP plays a similar role in polytechnics as ASUU does in universities; it advocates for the welfare of academic staff, better funding of polytechnic education, improved infrastructure, and enhanced teaching conditions.
Does ASUU Strike Affect Polytechnics?
One common question many students and parents ask is, “When ASUU is on strike, will polytechnics also be affected?”
The simple answer to this question is
NO
ASUU strikes don’t affect polytechnics, only public universities still under their umbrella.
Polytechnics are often under the umbrella of ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics), which is entirely different from ASUU.
Anytime polytechnics are on strike, just know it is led by ASUP, not ASUU, because polytechnics too go on strike at times.
When do polytechnics go on strike?
Yes, polytechnics too go on strike, but not as commonly as public universities.
ASUP declares strikes when:
- There are unresolved issues concerning staff salaries and arrears.
- There are demands for better funding for polytechnic education.
- There is a call for the improvement of teaching facilities and infrastructure.
Just like ASUU, ASUP’s strikes can lead to the suspension of academic activities in polytechnics.
Case Studies of Polytechnic Strikes
Let’s look at a few notable instances where polytechnics went on strike under ASUP:
2013–2014 ASUP Nationwide Strike
This was one of the most prolonged ASUP strikes recorded. It lasted about 10 months.
Core Issues of the Strike
- Non-release of the NEEDS assessment funds for polytechnics.
- Non-payment of salary arrears.
- Lack of a functional governing council in many polytechnics.
2021 ASUP Strike
ASUP declared a nationwide strike in April 2021.
Demands included:
- Implementation of a new salary structure.
- Settlement of minimum wage arrears.
- Addressing the lack of governing councils in many polytechnics.
- Funding for revitalisation of polytechnic infrastructure.
This strike lasted about two months.
Conclusion
When polytechnics go on strike, it is ASUP, not ASUU. So in essence, the ASUU strike does not affect polytechnics in Nigeria in any way.
FAQs
Do polytechnics go on strike too?
Yes. Polytechnics go on strike too, but it is led by ASUP, not ASUU. When ASUP declares a strike, it can disrupt academic activities in polytechnics.
Are private polytechnics affected by the ASUU strike?
No. ASUU represents lecturers in public universities only. Private universities and polytechnics operate independently and are not involved in ASUU’s strike action.