The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, Zone E, has called on the Federal Government to fully implement the directives and mandates of the National Board for Technical Education regarding the proper delineation of duties within the polytechnic system.
The call formed part of the resolutions reached at the end of the 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council meeting of the South-South zone of the association held at Federal Polytechnic Ukana on Thursday.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Godwin Ikhide, and the Zonal Secretary, Eni Usang, the union stressed the need for strict implementation of the directives to curb what it described as the continuous usurpation of non-teaching staff positions by teaching staff.
The council noted that proper enforcement of the NBTE directives would eliminate recurring conflicts over responsibilities in the polytechnic sector.
“Council frowned at the continuous usurpation of positions and responsibilities meant for non-teaching staff in the polytechnic sector and called for the speedy implementation of the directives and mandates of the National Board for Technical Education regarding the proper delineation of duties,” the communiqué stated.
The union also expressed concern over the delay in implementing the 2019 scheme of service, urging the Federal Government to expedite action on its release and enforcement.
According to the council, the continued delay in implementation was counterproductive to the growth and smooth administration of the polytechnic system.
On staff welfare, SSANIP encouraged its branches across the country to introduce and strengthen welfare schemes aimed at supporting members.
The council further commended the national leadership of the association for what it described as effective representation in negotiations and engagements geared toward improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, particularly members of the union.
The union also applauded the management of Federal Polytechnic Ukana for the effective utilisation of allocations from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, noting that more than 80 per cent of projects in the institution were products of TETFund interventions.
SSANIP, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the worsening insecurity in the country and the rising cost of petroleum products, saying the situation was taking a toll on Nigerians, including workers in the polytechnic sector.
“The council urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the high level of insecurity and the prices of petroleum products which are affecting everybody, including our members,” the communiqué added.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy National Secretary of SSANIP, Emmanuel Enyiegor, disclosed that negotiations were ongoing between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions on issues affecting the sector.
He expressed optimism that the discussions would soon produce outcomes favourable to both the government and the unions.
According to him, discussions also cover the review of schemes of service, conditions of service, staff allowances, work environment and staff development, all aimed at improving productivity in the polytechnic system.
