SSANIP Decries Unpaid Arrears, Warns Of Brewing Tension In Polytechnics

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics has raised fresh alarms over the Federal Government’s failure to settle long-pending arrears owed to polytechnic workers, warning that continued neglect could spark industrial unrest across campuses.

Speaking at the union’s 78th General Executive Council meeting in Abuja, National President Philip Ogunsipe said the government’s posture toward the welfare of non-academic staff had become increasingly troubling.

He lamented that despite repeated assurances, the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the polytechnic sector remain unreleased, while renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement has stalled for years.

Ogunsipe also condemned the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for upgrading polytechnic infrastructure, describing the delay as part of a pattern of disregard for the sector.

Equally alarming, he said, was the National Board for Technical Education’s unilateral submission of a reviewed Schemes of Service to the Ministry of Education—an action he called a breach of trust and a deviation from agreed labour procedures.

Among the arrears still owed to workers are promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage. Combined with mounting insecurity and rising economic hardship, the union warned that workers are increasingly stretched to their limits.

The SSANIP president appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to step in and address the grievances before the situation degenerates.

National Secretary Nura Gaya echoed the call, urging the government to take decisive action while encouraging workers to remain dedicated. National Trustee Godwin Ikhide also charged labour unions to remain united in their push for better welfare.

SSANIP, which is pushing for improved working conditions and settlement of outstanding entitlements, cautioned that the government’s continued indifference could ignite industrial tension capable of disrupting academic activities nationwide.