The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its decision to outsource quality assurance functions in polytechnics, describing the move as a direct threat to academic standards and institutional integrity.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, ASUP Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, Mr. Lumpye Simji, condemned the policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and implemented through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He described the initiative as “ethically flawed, economically unsound, and detrimental to the core mandate of the NBTE.”
“Our union is totally against outsourcing the core mandate for which NBTE was established to charlatans,” Simji said.
“Quality assurance in polytechnic education is not a function to be traded out to unqualified vendors. It must be handled by professionals who understand the dynamics of technical and vocational education.”
ASUP warned that the policy could undermine the credibility of polytechnic certificates, weaken academic oversight, and compromise the future of technical education in Nigeria.
The union also accused the government of institutional sabotage and betrayal of public trust.
In solidarity, Mr. Hussaini Yaro, ASUP Chairman at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, announced that members would withdraw their services if the government failed to respond within the union’s 21-day ultimatum issued on August 14.
“In defending quality, we are defending the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. If the 21-day ultimatum expires without meaningful action, a nationwide strike will follow,” Yaro declared.
ASUP also listed other unresolved issues threatening the polytechnic sector, including:
- Non-release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance circular
- Unpaid arrears from the 25/35% salary review
- Delayed infrastructural funding
- Non-implementation of staff promotions
- Continued discrimination against holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND)
The union has called on the Federal Government to urgently address these concerns to prevent a disruption of academic activities across polytechnic institutions nationwide.
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