The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has handed the Federal Government a fresh 21-day ultimatum to resolve all outstanding issues affecting its members or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum, which took effect on August 27, 2025, was outlined in a communique released after the association’s 77th General Executive Council meeting, held at Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano State.
In the document, the polytechnic workers pressed for the release of the revised Scheme of Service, the establishment of a renegotiation committee for the 2010 Agreement, the settlement of all outstanding arrears, as well as the disbursement of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Needs Assessment Funds. The union expressed disappointment at what it described as the government’s lack of sincerity in resolving the long-standing matters.
The statement, jointly signed by SSANIP’s President, Philip Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Shehu Gaya, criticized the Federal Government for failing to honor previous commitments.
According to the communique, “The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) held its 77th General Executive Council meetings between Tuesday, 26th and Thursday, 28th August, 2025 at Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano State, where issues affecting the Union and welfare of its members were extensively discussed.”
It further added: “The Council in session reviewed its activities with the government on the following items: Release of the new schemes and conditions of service; Constitution of the renegotiation of the 2010 agreement committee; Non-release of the 2023, 2024, 2025 NEEDS Assessment fund; Payment of arrears such as promotion arrears, 25/35% salary review arrears, wage award and full implementation of the new minimum wage.”
The association noted that its members had run out of patience after repeated attempts to seek amicable resolutions, accusing the government of showing little seriousness in prioritizing the education sector. “Council also observed that despite several efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of the above-stated demands, the government has only paid lip service to the issues,” the statement continued.
The union emphasized that unless urgent action is taken on the listed demands within the 21-day deadline, beginning August 27, it will have no choice but to embark on an industrial action that would affect polytechnic institutions nationwide.
What you should know
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics has given the Federal Government three weeks to address unresolved welfare and funding issues.
If their demands remain unmet, the country’s polytechnics risk being shut down as the workers prepare for a nationwide strike.
