Polytechnic workers in Nigeria, under the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP), have declared a three-day warning strike from Wednesday, January 22 to Friday, January 24, 2025. The strike follows ongoing disputes over the marginalization of non-teaching staff and the denial of their career progression rights.
In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, SSANIP’s secretary, Nura Gaya, emphasized that the strike was necessary to address the “unjust deprivation” of non-teaching staff members’ rightful progression to the peak of their careers within the CONTEDISS 15 structure. This concern arises from the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service, which SSANIP claims threatens the future career prospects of non-teaching staff.
The union has long advocated for equitable treatment for both teaching and non-teaching staff in the polytechnic system, calling for the implementation of career progression policies that cater to both groups. However, previous efforts to engage with relevant authorities have resulted in little progress, leading to the current strike action.
SSANIP stresses that this strike is a warning to highlight the seriousness of their grievances and to affirm their commitment to ensuring non-teaching staff are not unfairly excluded from career advancement opportunities. The union asserts that resolving these issues will not affect the teaching staff, as both categories have separate salary structures.
The union is urging the Minister of Education to take immediate action to address their concerns and prevent further escalation. SSANIP remains open to dialogue, hoping for an amicable resolution to avoid disrupting the polytechnic system further.
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