The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a stark warning that Nigeria's severe technical skills shortage will continue to cripple industrial growth unless the government undertakes an urgent and complete overhaul of polytechnic education.
Core Demands for Polytechnic Revitalisation
This strong position was taken at the conclusion of the union's 18th National Conference, where delegates engaged in what was described as extensive deliberations. In a communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Itoro Ekanemesang, ASUP lamented that the country's persistent failure to prioritise technical and vocational education is weakening productivity, deepening unemployment, and undermining Nigeria's capacity to build a competitive workforce.
The union directly linked the nation's skills deficit to the chronic neglect of polytechnics. It accused the government of lacking genuine commitment to revitalising the sector and demanded the immediate release of approved funds for the second phase of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention. ASUP insisted these funds must be disbursed transparently and equitably to all eligible institutions.
Ending Discrimination and Ensuring Welfare
A key longstanding demand was renewed: the abolition of the HND/BSc dichotomy. ASUP commended the National Assembly for reintroducing the relevant bill and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to assent to it once passed. The union stressed that ending this discriminatory policy is crucial for promoting fairness, strengthening national unity, and modernising the country's workforce.
On staff welfare, delegates warned that continued neglect would further worsen industrial relations. They expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in concluding the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 Agreement, stating that reforms in policy, funding, and welfare are long overdue. The conference also condemned the unacceptable delay in releasing the revised Scheme of Service, which has damaged staff morale.
Broader National Concerns and Institutional Threats
The union's concerns extended beyond the education sector. Delegates voiced deep anxiety over persistent nationwide insecurity and its growing impact on the safety of schools, calling it a direct threat to learning and research. They also decried the escalating cost of living and economic hardship, urging the Federal Government to strengthen security and introduce relief measures.
ASUP identified several administrative and policy threats. It criticised the delayed reconstitution of Governing Councils, which has stalled appointments in many institutions. The union also strongly rejected attempts to outsource the quality assurance functions of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to private vendors, calling it a threat to polytechnic credibility and autonomy.
Furthermore, ASUP faulted the indiscriminate conversion of polytechnics to universities, warning that this trend distorts the technical education framework. Instead, the union renewed its demand for a dual-mandate structure that allows polytechnics to run degree programmes without abandoning their core technological education mandate.
