The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency act to stop the spate of kidnapping of students and lecturers across the country.
ASUP also expressed displeasure at the incessant abductions of staff and students across educational institutions and the disturbing threats to the lives of citizens caused by the state of security across the country.
ASUP stated this position as part of the communique it issued at the end of the National Executive Council held at Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State from 12th to 16th July 2021, signed by ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Yelwa and sent to our correspondent in Bauchi over the weekend.
The Union frowned at the deplorable roads in parts of the country noting that this was responsible for many accidents and loss of lives as well as opportunities for criminals to carry out their nefarious activities.
“NEC observed with displeasure the horrendous state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens as amplified by the incessant abduction of staff and students across educational institutions in the
country.
The communique further contained that, “NEC noted with disappointment the insensitivity of governments at all levels
over increase in prices of food-stuff and other essential commodities, and the excruciating pains this has brought to the lives of Nigerians.
“NEC frowned at the deplorable condition of roads in parts of the country which serves as major source of road accidents and provides a favourable atmosphere for kidnappers in the country,” the communique further contained.
The union noted sadly, the lingering disparity in the implementation of policies between Federal and State-owned Polytechnics/Monotechnics pointing out that this has adversely affected the uniformity of standards among these institutions.
It also noted with dismay, unconcerned attitude of the government to defray the arrears of the national minimum and federal polytechnics, and non-implementation of the minimum wages as well non-payment of arrears in most states across the country.
The communique further stated that the NEC noted with joy the approval of N15 billion revitalisation fund for
Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It also commended the Senate for the speedy passage of the bill for the removal of dichotomy between HND and Degree holders urging the House of Representatives to concur with the resolution of the Upper Chamber.
The union, therefore, called on government at all levels to take proactive steps towards addressing the deteriorating security, work towards bringing down the high prices of foodstuff among other resolutions
The communique stated: “NEC on government at all levels to address the terrible state of security across the country and the disturbing threats to lives of citizens, amplified by attacks on staff and students across all strata of education in the country.
“NEC calls on the government to do the needful to bring down prices of food-stuff and other essential items by putting in place strategies to support local production, through the revitalization of industries and more robust soft loans for Nigerians interested in farming and other legitimate business,” it stated.
ASUP added, “NEC calls on government at all levels to address the deplorable condition of roads in some parts of the country by fixing the bad roads and opening up new roads to network the communities across the country.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to settle the 10 months arrears of the national minimum wage in Federal Polytechnics, to avoid further devaluation of the money; and that all state governments yet to implement the minimum wages as well non-payment of arrears should without further delay.”
The union also urged state governments to desist from using any tactics to avert or undermine the financial autonomy of the local government councils.
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