News
ASUP Raises Alarm Over New Polytechnic Service Scheme, Threatens Strike Action
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has not yet begun negotiations with the Federal Government regarding the new scheme of service, according to Dr. Iloma Richard, ASUP Zone D Coordinator. He expressed serious concerns about the scheme, stating it could severely impact polytechnic education in Nigeria. ASUP chapters across the country have rejected the scheme, originally meant for federal polytechnics only, as clarified by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
ASUP issued a 15-day ultimatum to NBTE to suspend the scheme by June 22 or face possible strike action. Richard highlighted objections including perceived below-standard provisions, discriminatory employment requirements, extended promotion timelines, non-academic staff designations for academic roles, and the reclassification of technologists. ASUP Zone D supported the National Executive Council’s call to suspend and review the scheme, warning that its implementation could harm career progression and morale, potentially leading to the collapse of polytechnic education.
Despite ongoing engagement by NBTE, ASUP remains committed to resolving these issues before considering industrial action, similar to recent protests against the appointment of federal polytechnic governing councils in May.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
“Fighting for Nigerians Is Tiring” — VeryDarkMan Recalls Burna Boy’s Words
Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
