The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged the Federal and State Governments to expedite the implementation of key policies affecting polytechnic staff across the country.

This call was made in a communique issued after the association’s 75th General Executive Council (GEC) meeting, held at the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, from February 24 to 28, 2025.

The communique was jointly signed by SSANIP National President, Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Nura Shehu Gaya.

The council thanked the Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education for their intervention in averting a planned three-day warning strike.

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However, SSANIP warned that it could not guarantee continued industrial harmony if the promises made to address members’ grievances were not fulfilled.

Among the concerns raised were career progression issues for SSANIP members to CONTEDISS 15, the lingering BSc./HND dichotomy, and alleged encroachment by teaching staff on positions meant for non-teaching personnel in polytechnics.

SSANIP also criticised the delay in paying the 25% and 35% wage increase arrears for federal polytechnic staff, covering January to December 2023.

The council urged the federal government to expedite payment, warning that further delays could disrupt industrial peace.

The council expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in fully implementing the new minimum wage, describing it as a source of economic hardship for workers.

SSANIP called on the federal government to fast-track the process to prevent further financial strain on Nigerian workers.

In a related development, SSANIP demanded the immediate payment of wage award arrears from March to July 2024, in line with government promises to continue payments until the new minimum wage takes effect.

SSANIP also condemned the trend of converting polytechnics into universities, stating that such actions undermine technological education.

The council noted that while it does not oppose the creation of new universities, the conversion of existing polytechnics leaves a gap in the country’s technological development.

The association called on policymakers to prioritise technological education by increasing funding, as seen in developed nations.