SSANIP discontent rises as the union demands urgent payment of arrears and action on stalled agreements in the polytechnic sector

It was reported on Thursday that growing SSANIP discontent has intensified as the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics accused the government of failing to pay outstanding promotion arrears owed to workers across the nation’s polytechnics.

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The union said the situation reflects a wider pattern of neglect affecting welfare and stability in the sector.

Speaking at the 78th General Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the National President of SSANIP, Philip Ogunsipe, condemned worsening insecurity, mounting economic hardship and what he called persistent threats to workers’ wellbeing.

He described the prolonged delay in releasing the new Schemes and Conditions of Service as unacceptable, noting that the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement had equally stalled despite repeated assurances from government officials.

Ogunsipe also criticised the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural upgrades in polytechnics.

He faulted the National Board for Technical Education for submitting a reviewed Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education without consulting labour unions, calling the move a breach of established procedures and trust.

He said outstanding arrears include promotion arrears, the 25 percent and 35 percent salary review arrears, wage award arrears and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.

He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that continued inaction could provoke industrial unrest.

The National Secretary of the union, Nura Gaya, urged the Federal Government to address the concerns affecting non-teaching staff, even as he encouraged workers to remain committed.

In his remarks, National Trustee Godwin Ikhide advised members to maintain peak performance and urged labour unions to remain united in pursuing improved welfare conditions.

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SSANIP said it remains focused on securing better working conditions for its members, stressing that delays in reviewing Schemes of Service and renegotiating long-standing agreements have created frustration within the polytechnic community.