By Gbenga Ojo, News/Comments, July 20, 2021
LAGOS-The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic has lauded Federal Government of Nigeria on approval of 15 billion naira as revitalisation fund for Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology while the Union appealed to President Buhari to direct the immediate release of the fund to enable the sector enjoy the benefit of addressing critical infrastructural deficits. This was made known through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Yalwa at the Union’s 100th National Executive Council meeting held at Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State from 12th to l6th July, 2021.
The Union also expressed their gratitude to the Senate, for the speedy passage of the bill for the removal of dichotomy between HND and B.Sc. while they urged Federal Government to settle the 10 months arrears of the national minimum wage in Federal Polytechnics.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to settle the 10 months arrears of the national minimum wage in Federal Polytechnics, to avoid further devaluation of the money, and that all State governments yet to implement the minimum wages as well non-payment of arrears should without further delay. We appreciates the Senate for the speedy passage of the bill for the removal of dichotomy between HND and B.Sc. While looking forward the concurrence of the House of Representatives”
“We calls on the government and other stakeholders in Technological education to as a matter of urgency ensure the compliance with the provisions the 2019 amended Polytechnic Act in all institutions for the purposes of uniformity in quality and standards. We observed with happiness the efforts of the President to grant the 774 Local Governments financial autonomy in Nigeria. This will go a long way in boosting genuine development at the grassroots level.”
“We calls on government at all levels to address the terrible state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens amplified by attacks on staff and students across all strata of education in the country. NEC calls on the state governments to desist from using any tactics to avert or undermine the financial autonomy of the local government.”
ASUP noted the insensitivity of governments at all levels over increase in prices of food-stuff and other essential commodities, and frowned at the deplorable condition of roads in parts of the country which serves as major source of road accidents and provides a favourable atmosphere for kidnappers in the country.
“We Task the government to do the needful to bring down prices of foodstuff and other essential items by putting in place strategies to support local production through revitalization of industries and more robust soft loans for Nigerians interested in farming and other legitimate business.We urge the government at all levels to address the deplorable condition of roads in some parts of the country by fixing the bad roads and opening up new roads to network the communities across the country.”
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