Nigerian polytechnic workers have declared a three-day warning strike that will run from Wednesday, January 22, to Friday, January 24, 2025.
Under the umbrella of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP), the employees charged that the administration denied them the advancement they were entitled to and marginalised non-teaching staff members.
The union’s secretary, Nura Gaya, wrote to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on January 14, 2025, stating that the warning strike has become necessary to “emphasise our position concerning the ongoing plot by certain stakeholders to unjustly deprive non-teaching staff of polytechnics and similar institutions of their rightful progression to the peak of their careers on CONTEDISS 15 on the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service.”
The letter further stated that SSANIP has continuously advocated for the development of career progression regulations that accommodate both teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as for equity and justice within the Polytechnic system.
“Unfortunately, the current actions against non-teaching staff are a direct insult to our prior engagements with relevant authorities, which have produced little to no noticeable results.
“Since both groups of workers have different pay structures, this strike serves as a warning to emphasise the gravity of our complaints and our steadfast commitment to preventing non-teaching staff from being marginalised or denied their rightful career advancement. If taken seriously, this will not in any way deprive teaching staff.
“To resolve this matter and prevent any further escalation, we kindly request that your office act swiftly and decisively.
“We hope that this issue may be settled peacefully to prevent other disruptions to the Polytechnic system, and we are still open to constructive discussion.”
