The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) has declared a three-day warning strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 22, and end on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The union accused the authorities of marginalizing non-teaching staff and denying them career progression to the peak of their careers. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, SSANIP Secretary, Nura Gaya, highlighted grievances over the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service, which allegedly seeks to exclude non-teaching staff from progressing to CONTEDISS 15.
The letter stated:
“SSANIP has consistently advocated for equity and justice within the Polytechnic system, emphasizing the need for career progression policies that benefit both teaching and non-teaching staff. Unfortunately, previous engagements with the relevant authorities have yielded little results, and the current actions against non-teaching staff are a direct affront to these efforts.”
The union clarified that its demand for career progression for non-teaching staff does not undermine the rights of teaching staff, as both groups operate on distinct salary structures.
“This strike is a warning to underscore the seriousness of our grievances. We urge the Ministry of Education to take urgent steps to address the issue and prevent further escalation,” the letter added.
SSANIP also expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with relevant authorities to resolve the matter and avoid prolonged disruption in the Polytechnic system.
