The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called on the Federal Government to promptly conclude discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUP–FGN agreement, stressing that the process must be handled with sincerity and responsibility.

The union said the agreement is critical to achieving lasting industrial harmony within the polytechnic system and warned that prolonged delays could further destabilise the sector.

ASUP made the appeal during its 18th National Delegates’ Conference (NDC), jointly hosted by Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State. At the conference, Shammah Sunday Kpanja was elected President of the union alongside other national officers.

Key Resolutions from the Conference

Delegates unanimously demanded the payment of all outstanding CONTISS 15 migration arrears owed to lower-cadre academic staff across polytechnics. The union described the delay in settling the arrears as unjust and demoralising, urging the government to treat the matter with urgency.

ASUP also commended the National Assembly for reintroducing the Bill to abolish the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Bill once passed, noting that it would promote fairness, national unity, and workforce modernisation.

Call for Sector Revitalisation

The union urged the Federal Government to demonstrate a renewed commitment to revitalising the polytechnic system, emphasizing that the future of technical and vocational education depends on sustained investment.

It demanded the immediate release of approved funds for the second phase of the NEEDS Assessment intervention, insisting on transparent, equitable, and accountable disbursement to all eligible institutions.

ASUP also expressed concern over the continued delay in releasing the revised Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service, stating that the situation has eroded staff morale and hindered institutional growth. The union called for the immediate approval and implementation of the revised documents, which already reflect agreed standards.

On staff welfare, ASUP urged all proprietors—particularly state governments—to clear outstanding obligations, including promotion arrears, salary shortfalls, third-party deductions, and pension liabilities. While acknowledging improvements in some institutions, the union stressed that full compliance remains the only acceptable standard.