The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in Ogun State has called on the state government to urgently address its outstanding demands as the ongoing strike by lecturers enters its third day.
The union said the industrial action became necessary after the government failed to resolve issues concerning the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), despite several engagements and the expiration of an ultimatum.
In a statement issued on Friday, ASUP expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s failure to address issues affecting the welfare, motivation and professional dignity of lecturers in state-owned polytechnics.
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The union explained that the strike was not declared without warning, noting that it had made several attempts to settle the disagreement through dialogue before taking industrial action.
ASUP maintained that its demands were legitimate and aimed at improving staff welfare and ensuring quality education in the affected institutions.
It stressed that motivated lecturers were essential to effective teaching, research, innovation and the development of the education sector.
To resolve the dispute, the union urged the government to begin meaningful negotiations with its leadership and take immediate steps towards implementing the outstanding allowances.
The union also warned that continued failure to address the issues could worsen the situation and damage confidence in Ogun State’s tertiary education system.
Although it acknowledged that the strike could affect students, parents and the academic calendar, ASUP insisted that industrial peace must not come at the expense of workers’ welfare and fairness.
The union further appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to demonstrate the political will to resolve the disagreement, adding that it remained willing to return to the negotiating table if the government showed genuine commitment.
ASUP had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government over its demands, including the payment of outstanding allowances and improved funding for state-owned polytechnics.
The union also complained about the inadequate monthly subvention provided to some institutions, which it said had remained at ₦5 million for more than a decade.
Among its demands is an increase in the monthly subvention of all state-owned polytechnics to ₦100 million to address current economic realities and operational needs.
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