SSANIP Demands Urgent Action Over Role Conflicts And Rising Hardship In Polytechnics

( NBTE. Photo by Wikipedia)

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, Zone E, has urged the swift implementation of directives issued by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, concerning the clear separation of roles and responsibilities within the polytechnic system.

This was among the key resolutions reached at the conclusion of the 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of SSANIP’s South South zone, which was held at the Federal Polytechnic Ukana in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

In a communique jointly signed by Zonal Coordinator Godwin Ikhide and Zonal Secretary Eni Bassey Usang, the union expressed serious concern over the growing trend of teaching staff encroaching on positions and responsibilities that rightfully belong to non-teaching staff.

The association stressed that prompt implementation of the NBTE’s directives would help put an end to this practice.

The council also raised concerns about the prolonged delay in releasing the 2019 scheme of service, calling on the federal government to act without further delay to ensure its release and full implementation.

On matters of member welfare, SSANIP encouraged its branches to establish and strengthen welfare programmes for members.

It also commended the national leadership of the association for its active role in negotiations and engagements aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerian workers, particularly those within the SSANIP fold.

The association further praised the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ukana for making effective use of TETFund allocations, noting that more than 80 percent of projects at the institution have been funded through TETFund.

The council also voiced its displeasure over the rising level of insecurity across the country and the continued increase in petroleum product prices, urging the federal government to take decisive action as these issues are placing a heavy burden on ordinary Nigerians, including polytechnic staff.

In separate comments, the Deputy National Secretary of SSANIP, Dr Emmanuel Enyiegor, revealed that negotiations between the federal government and tertiary institutions are still ongoing, expressing confidence that a mutually agreeable outcome would be reached in the near future.

He noted that beyond the issue of pay, discussions also cover schemes and conditions of service, a review of certain worker allowances, improvements to work environments, and staff development, all of which he said would ultimately translate into greater productivity.