The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, Zone E, has called for the implementation of the directives and mandates of the National Board for Technical Education as it relates to proper delineation of duties in the system.
This was part of the resolutions taken at the end of the end of the 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the South South zone of the body held in the Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.
In a communique signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Godwin Ikhide and the Zonal Secretary, Eni Usang, the council highlighted the need for proper Implementation of the directives, noting it implementation would eliminate the tendencies of usurpation of Non-teaching staff positions by their Teaching counterparts which according to it, has been significantly witnessed.
“‘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 communique reads in part.
The council also called on the federal government to address the delay in the release of the 2019 scheme of service, noting that it continue delay was counterproductive.
It added, “Council express reservation over the delay in the implementation of the 2019 scheme of service and call on the Federal Government expedite action on it.”
On the welfare of staff and members of the union, SSANIP encouraged branches to introduce and strengthen welfare schemes for members.
It however applauded the National leadership of the association for its effective representation in the struggles, negotiations and engagements geared towards improving the welfare of Nigerian workers particularly members of SSANIP.
The union commended the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ukana for effective management and utilization of TETFund allocations in the institution noting that over 80 percent of projects in the polytechnic is a product of TETFund.
The council expressed displeasure over the high rate of insecurity in the country as well as prices of petroleum products and urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, do something about it adding that it’s taking a toll on the masses including the polytechnic staff.
“The council urge the Federal Government to urgent steps to address the high level of insecurity and the prices of petroleum products which is affecting everybody including our members”
The Deputy National Secretary of SSANIP, Dr Emmanuel Enyiegor, while speaking during the meeting revealed other negotiations going on between the Federal government and the Tertiary institutions noting that in no distant time they will arrive at a point expected to be favorable to both the unions and the government.
“We are hopeful that in a time not far from now, we’ll be able to come up with a position that will be okay for both Federal Government and unions, that will reflect same to our members and outside the issue of remuneration, there are other things on the table by the union regarding the schemes of service and conditions of service, a review of certain allowances that are due workers in the polytechnic sector, and of course, work environments, and then of staff development, which will also translate at the end of the day to productivity,” he said.
The grievances expressed by SSANIP reflect a long-running tension within Nigeria’s polytechnic system between teaching and non-teaching staff over roles, responsibilities and institutional recognition.
