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ASUP gives Fed Govt two-week ultimatum over unresolved demands
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government calling for the resolution of outstanding issues affecting the polytechnic sector.
The union said the ultimatum, which would commence on October 7, 2024, and conclude on October 25, 2024, could lead to industrial action if the demands are not met.
The national president of ASUP, Shammah Kpanja, addressed reporters at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union in Abuja on Thursday, October 3.
The ASUP leader said the union reviewed ongoing discussions with the Rectors of public polytechnics, including both federal and state institutions, during the NEC meeting.
Among the grievances raised by ASUP are alleged violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act and other governing laws which affected the appointment of key administrative officers in both federal and state-owned polytechnics.
Kpanja also highlighted the lack of review of the Schemes of Service for Polytechnics as well as the failure to release updated conditions of service for polytechnic staff.
Others included the federal government’s alleged failure to disburse the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds, a long-standing financial commitment to enhance the education sector.
Kpanja condemned what he termed as interference by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the admission process for Higher National Diploma (HND) students, a function traditionally reserved for polytechnic academic boards.
He expressed concerns over the omission of academic allowances in the national budget, particularly in anticipation of changes following the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The union also criticised state-owned polytechnics for failing to implement the agreed 35% and 25% salary increase and the federal government’s delay in releasing the related arrears.
Other unresolved issues as identified by ASUP included the payment of outstanding arrears under the CONTISS 15 Migration for lower cadre staff and the exclusion of ASUP from the renegotiation of the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement.
Kpanja warned that if the government does not take action, ASUP would not hesitate to mobilise its members for industrial action, including strikes and protests.
He said: “In line with our commitment to advocating for a functional polytechnic education system in Nigeria, we hereby issue a 15-day ultimatum, starting from October 7, 2024. If these issues are not resolved within this period, we will consider various forms of trade disputes, including a possible withdrawal of services by our members nationwide.”
He added that, after the expiration of the ultimatum, ASUP’s NEC will reconvene to determine the next course of action.
The ASUP leader urged its local chapters and zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during the period.
“ASUP hopes that the Federal Government will utilise the two-week window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of polytechnic institutions across the country,” he added.
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Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.
Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.
Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”
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Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.
Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”
Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”
On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”
Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said
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