Current news on asup strike 2019

The ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics) strike in 2019 was a significant event in Nigeria's education sector. Here's a summary of the current news and updates on the strike:

Background: The ASUP strike began on April 26, 2019, after the union's members voted to embark on an indefinite strike to demand better working conditions, improved funding for polytechnics, and the implementation of the Needs Assessment Report for polytechnics.

Key Demands:

  1. Implementation of the Needs Assessment Report for polytechnics, which was submitted to the government in 2014.
  2. Improved funding for polytechnics to enable them to provide quality education.
  3. Better working conditions for academic staff, including the payment of outstanding allowances and the provision of adequate infrastructure.
  4. The establishment of a governing council for each polytechnic to ensure autonomy and effective management.

Strike Updates:

  1. The strike entered its 10th week in June 2019, with no signs of resolution.
  2. In July 2019, the Federal Government and ASUP reached a tentative agreement to end the strike, but the union's leadership rejected the offer, citing inadequate funding for polytechnics.
  3. In August 2019, the National Industrial Court ordered the ASUP to suspend the strike, but the union appealed the decision.
  4. In September 2019, the Federal Government and ASUP reached a new agreement to end the strike, which included the release of N15 billion for the revitalization of polytechnics and the establishment of a governing council for each polytechnic.

Current Status: The ASUP strike officially ended on September 27, 2019, after the union's leadership accepted the Federal Government's offer. However, the implementation of the agreement is still ongoing, and some polytechnics have yet to receive the promised funds.

Ongoing Challenges: Despite the end of the strike, some polytechnics are still facing challenges, including:

  1. Inadequate funding: Many polytechnics are still struggling to access the promised funds for revitalization.
  2. Infrastructure challenges: Many polytechnics still lack adequate infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, and hostels.
  3. Staff shortages: Many polytechnics are still facing staff shortages, which can impact the quality of education provided.

Overall, while the ASUP strike has ended, the challenges facing Nigeria's polytechnics are still ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will follow through on its promises to improve the sector.