Federal Polytechnic Bida Governing Council Suspends ASUP Members Amid Strike
Federal Polytechnic Bida Governing Council Suspends ASUP Members Amid Strike
Bida, Niger State — The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida has suspended the activities of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bida chapter, following an indefinite strike by lecturers that disrupted ongoing examinations.
The Registrar, Hussaini Enagi, announced the suspension in a statement, saying the council’s decision was taken “in view of the rising tension and prevailing negative security report.” He advised all union members to comply strictly with the directive.
Lecturers under the umbrella of ASUP had on Monday resumed a strike over 18 months of unpaid excess workload allowances. The union, led by its chairman Kolo Joshua, directed members to boycott examinations and vacate the campus, citing intimidation by management and neglect of their welfare.
“Our struggle is legitimate, anchored on justice, and protected under the relevant labour laws,” Joshua said.
The Rector, Dr. Baba Haruna, appealed to the union to respect the rights of staff who might not wish to join the strike. Meanwhile, the governing council urged lecturers to suspend the action in the interest of students.
Reacting to the development, the ASUP National President, Shammah Kpanja, described the suspension of the union as disturbing.
“We note with displeasure the purported suspension of union activities by the governing council, as well as the embarrassing pictures and videos of soldiers supervising an activity purporting to mean an examination in the polytechnic,” Kpanja stated.
He emphasized that the national body stands firmly behind the Bida chapter and will take up the matter with the appropriate authorities.
The strike and suspension of ASUP activities have raised concerns about academic disruptions, student welfare, and labour rights within Nigerian polytechnics. Education stakeholders are closely watching the unfolding events at Federal Polytechnic Bida to see how the matter will be resolved.
Key Directives from the Governing Council
The council recognizes the rights of the union to embark on strike action but urges ASUP to respect the rights of members who may choose to remain at their duty posts.
The council continues to appeal to the union to suspend its strike in the interest of the academic system and students.
The union is expected to maintain law and order among its members regardless of their stance on the strike.
The President of ASUP, Shammah Kpanja, described the development at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida as “disturbing.”
“We have received reports of disturbing developments in industrial relations as well as academic activities in the Federal Polytechnic, Bida. We note with displeasure the purported suspension of union activities by the Governing Council, as well as the embarrassing pictures and videos of soldiers supervising an activity purporting to mean an examination in the polytechnic,” Kpanja said.
He emphasized that the national leadership stands firmly with the Bida Chapter and will take up the matter with the appropriate authorities.
Federal Polytechnic Bida was established in 1977 following a decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to relocate the institution from Kano. Previously known as the Federal College of Technology, Kano, the polytechnic opened its first academic session in April 1978 with 211 students, 11 senior staff, and 33 junior staff.
Today, Federal Polytechnic Bida remains one of Nigeria’s key tertiary institutions, offering a variety of programs to students across the country.
The suspension of ASUP activities amid the ongoing strike highlights growing tensions between the management of Federal Polytechnic Bida and its academic staff. Stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar and protect the welfare of both students and staff.
