Academic staff in Nigeria’s polytechnics (ASUP) are facing severe financial strain as salary delays stretch for eight months.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised alarms over the crisis, warning of potential strikes if the government fails to act immediately.
Shammah Kpanja, ASUP’s National President, condemned the Federal Government for neglecting staff welfare amid prolonged payment delays.
He accused authorities of worsening hardship by withholding salaries, which has severely damaged morale and productivity in institutions nationwide.
As a result, the union has threatened to suspend academic activities unless all outstanding salaries are paid without further delay.
Kpanja emphasized that continued government inaction could force lecturers to down tools, thereby disrupting education across federal polytechnics.
Additionally, ASUP linked the payment delays to the problematic transition from IPPIS to GIFMIS payroll systems.
The union criticized the Accountant General’s Office for poor management, arguing that the eight-month delay reflects systemic negligence toward education workers.
Consequently, this situation has heightened concerns about the government’s commitment to the education sector’s well-being.
Furthermore, Kpanja described the situation as “mental torture,” emphasizing that lecturers now struggle to meet basic needs.
He lamented that “workers have been turned into beggars,” accusing political leaders of enjoying luxury while educators suffer.
This frustration underscores the urgent need for timely salary payments and accountability within the system.
The union demands immediate payment of June 2025 salaries and a permanent end to payment delays.
Kpanja warned that further inaction risks industrial unrest, which could paralyze polytechnic education nationwide.
ASUP’s outcry highlights broader governance failures, with lecturers questioning Nigeria’s priorities.
The union noted the stark contrast between struggling academics and politicians living extravagantly, calling it a sign of national decline.
With tensions rising, ASUP insists the government must act fast to prevent a full-blown strike. \
The prolonged salary crisis threatens not only staff welfare but also the stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
As lecturers await a response, students and parents brace for possible disruptions.
The coming days will determine whether the government heeds ASUP’s demands or risks another crippling academic shutdown.