After lecturers’ indefinite strike disrupted ongoing exams, the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Governing Council suspended the activities of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bida chapter.
In a statement announcing the suspension, Registrar Hussaini Enagi said the council had made the decision “in view of the rising tension and prevailing negative security report.” He counseled all union members to adhere to the directive to the letter.
Under the auspices of ASUP, lecturers went on strike Monday over 18 months of unpaid overtime benefits. Kolo Joshua, the union’s chairman, ordered members to leave the campus and boycott exams, claiming that management had intimidated them and was not looking out for their best interests.
Joshua emphasized that “our struggle is legitimate, anchored on justice, and protected under the relevant labor laws,” arguing that the strike was a collective decision.
The governing council urged lecturers to halt the action in the interest of students, while the rector, Dr. Baba Haruna, urged the union to respect the rights of employees who might not want to participate in the strike.
ASUP National President Shammah Kpanja responded by calling the union’s suspension “disturbing.”
We express our displeasure with the governing council’s alleged suspension of union activities, as well as the humiliating images and videos of soldiers overseeing an activity that appeared to be an exam at the polytechnic.
About The Author
