The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has suspended its planned nationwide strike following positive steps taken by the federal government to address the union’s demands.

The suspension was announced on Sunday by ASUP president Shammah Kpanja in a statement.

ASUP had earlier threatened to embark on an industrial action following a 21-day ultimatum issued to the federal government on August 15.

The union’s demands include unpaid salary arrears, delayed salary adjustments, non-release of promotion arrears, and stalled renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN agreement.

”The decision to suspend the strike  followed the union’s 115th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 9 to review the government’s response to its 21-day ultimatum.

”The union acknowledges progress on several fronts, including the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on Peculiar Academic Allowances,” the president said.

According to him, ASUP also notes measurable progress on the 2025 cycle of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and the resumption of meetings of the Polytechnic Implementation Monitoring Committee.

He added that the union appreciated the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to include the Polytechnic sector.

Mr Kpanja further commended the Federal Ministry of Education for addressing issues at the Federal Polytechnics in Nekede and Ekowe.

He said ASUP is also encouraged by efforts to release arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustment and promotion arrears owed to polytechnic staff.

“Consequently, our NEC resolved to put on hold the proposed strike to give the government more time to conclude ongoing actions,” he said.

Mr Kpanja, however, said the union would review the situation within six weeks to assess the level of implementation of the commitments.

He commended the education and deputy education ministers, as well as the officials of the ministry, for their engagement and commitment to resolving the issues.

(NAN)