By Salisu K Ismail
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has expressed concern over the current fuel scarcity, described it as unfortunate situation that thrown citizens in to artificial sufferings.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the first quarter 2022 Zonal (Zone A) Executive Council (ZEC) meeting signed and made available to news men in Dutse the Jigawa state capital, by the Zonal publicity secretary, Comrade Basiru Yusuf.
ASUP said that, "The hiked in prices of petroleum products and the unfortunate influx of “off-spec” petroleum product has crippled the social and economical activities of the people in the country"
According to communique the level of inflation, worsened by incessant increases in the prices of
electricity and commodities is of the great concern of the association.
"It is hereby calling upon the government at all levels to urgently take decisive actions to address all security challenges in Nigeria because what obtains today directly affects academic activities especially in Northern Nigeria where some schools and colleges are closed," the communiqué added.
However, The association expressed worried that the federal government is still not fulfilled its part of the agreement entered with ASUP for the suspension of the last strike action of the union. "It is believed that there is need for urgent release of N15 billion revitalization fund as well as minimum wage arrears
to the affected members of the sector in order to lay this issue to rest permanently".
"The continues non-remittance of National Housing Fund, Pensions fund and other third party
deductions by IPPIS to many federal institutions attracts the attention of the ZEC. This is a
testimony of the widespread accusation against the IPPIS. The ZEC therefore uses this medium
to call the attention of relevant Ministries and Agencies to swiftly ensure that all such remittances", said in the communique.
The zone A ASUP added that finding has revealed that there is an ongoing undue interference by external forces in the
appointment of the Rector in Kaduna Polytechnic without recourse of polytechnic Act 2019 (as amended) asked for the strict follows of the provision of the law in the selection process and cautions against such meddling in the spirit of fairness.
The further stated that the ZEC frowns at the recent reversal of the 65 years’ retirement age for polytechnic staff by Kano
State Government, while its earlier pronouncement was loudly applauded across all quarters. " We calling on the government to maintain its former position considering it is part of the
provisions of the Polytechnic Act (as amended 2019).
ZEC called on the Niger State Government to urgently look into the non-remittance of 7
months check-off dues for Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru chapter of the Union to enable it
operate seamlessly.
"ZEC is hopeful that government will facilitate the reopening of schools and students hostels in
various institutions affected by insecurity situations and make schools across the nation safe and
conducive for learning".
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