AUCHI – The Joint Union of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) Auchi Polytechnic Chapters which embarked on an indefinite strike recently have explained reasons for their action.
In a release jointly signed by Engr. Isah Abdulazeez (ASUP Chairman), Comrade Godwin Ikhide (SSANIP Chairman) and Hassan Y. Ikhanaede (NASU Chairman) dated February 3, 2016 and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, THE Unions alleged that the refusal of the Polytechnic authority to pay staff salaries for three months running inspite of the release of the funds by the Federal Government has compelled them to embark on indefinite strike.
The Unions also explained that the non-remittance of welfare (cooperative) contributions currently being owed by the out-going administration of Dr (Mrs) Phillipa Idogho running into hundreds of millions of naira, coupled with the unpaid invigilation and Project Supervision Allowances for 2014/2015 Academic Session in the School of Evening Studies were other reasons for the strike.
The Unions further stated that the issue of delayed 2015 Promotion without financial benefits is also a key factor in the strike declared by them. “We know that promotions and incremental benefits are always budgeted for every year. What happened to the funds received by her administration from the government in 2015?” they queried.
While appealing to the federal government to constitute a panel of inquiry, made of people of integrity, to look into the administration of Dr (Mrs) Philipa Idogho as Rector of Auchi Polytechnic and the plight of the staff of the polytechnic, the unions equally pleaded with all well-meaning individuals to support their laudable struggle to enable the staff access their due entitlements.
Dr Philipa Idogho, Rector, Auchi Polytechnic
