Asup strike 2019 news

Here are some news articles and updates related to the 2019 ASUP strike:

Background

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is a Nigerian trade union that represents the interests of academic staff in polytechnics across the country. In 2019, the union embarked on a nationwide strike to demand better working conditions, improved funding for polytechnics, and the implementation of the Needs Assessment Report for polytechnics.

Strike Timeline

The ASUP strike began on April 26, 2019, and lasted for several months. Here's a brief timeline of the strike:

• April 26, 2019: ASUP begins an indefinite strike, citing the government's failure to implement the Needs Assessment Report and address other demands.
• May 2019: The strike enters its second week, with many polytechnics remaining shut.
• June 2019: The Federal Government sets up a committee to negotiate with ASUP, but the strike continues.
• July 2019: The strike enters its third month, with many students and parents calling for the government to resolve the issue.
• August 2019: The ASUP strike is suspended, but many polytechnics remain shut due to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Key Demands

ASUP's key demands during the strike included:

1. Implementation of the Needs Assessment Report for polytechnics, which would provide additional funding for infrastructure development and staff welfare.
2. Improved funding for polytechnics to enable them to provide quality education.
3. Better working conditions for academic staff, including improved salaries and allowances.
4. The establishment of a governing council for each polytechnic to ensure autonomy and accountability.

Government Response

The Federal Government responded to the ASUP strike by setting up a committee to negotiate with the union. However, the government's response was criticized by many as being slow and inadequate. The government also offered to pay the outstanding salaries of ASUP members, but the union rejected the offer, saying it was not enough to address the underlying issues.

Impact

The ASUP strike had a significant impact on the education sector in Nigeria. Many polytechnics remained shut, disrupting the academic calendar and affecting thousands of students. The strike also had a broader impact on the economy, as many students were forced to stay at home and rely on their parents for financial support.

Resolution

The ASUP strike was eventually suspended in August 2019, but many of the underlying issues remain unresolved. The union has continued to push for the implementation of the Needs Assessment Report and improved funding for polytechnics. The government has also continued to negotiate with ASUP, but progress has been slow.