SSANIP ultimatum issued over unpaid salary arrears and welfare concerns, warning of nationwide polytechnic shutdown if government fails to act

SSANIP ultimatum has thrown Nigeria’s polytechnic sector into uncertainty as the union demands immediate government action on unpaid salaries and welfare issues.

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The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics issued a 21-day ultimatum, beginning August 27, 2025, threatening a nationwide shutdown of polytechnic services if their demands are not met.

The ultimatum followed the union’s 77th General Executive Council meeting in Kano State.

The communiqué was signed by National President Comrade Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe and National Secretary Comrade Shehu Nura Gaya, criticizing the government for failing to honour prior agreements and neglecting the polytechnic sector.

Among the union’s demands are the release of new schemes and conditions of service, timely constitution of the renegotiation committee for the 2010 agreement, release of the 2023–2025 NEEDS Assessment Fund, and settlement of promotion arrears, 25/35 per cent salary review arrears, wage awards, and full implementation of the new minimum wage.

“Based on the above, the union demands immediate action on the listed issues within 21 days beginning from 27th August, 2025, or we will be left with no option than to withdraw our services across the nation,” the statement read.

SSANIP expressed disappointment over what it perceives as government insincerity, highlighting that repeated dialogue has failed to resolve these issues.

With tensions rising, the polytechnic community and students nationwide await government response, as the looming strike threatens academic schedules and administrative operations.

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The situation underscores the urgent need for government accountability and swift action to prevent a full-scale crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.