By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – SENIOR Polytechnics workers under the umbrella of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, have suspended the planned three days warning strike after meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment and other government relevant stakeholders.

Recall that the association had at the weekend, issued the warning strike notice to commence on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 as a result of some contentious issues which bordered on career progression of SSANIP members to CONTEDISS 15, BSc./HND dichotomy and the alleged usurpation of positions meant for their members by the teaching staff in polytechnics.

In a memo to members announcing the suspension of the warning strike, SSANIP National Secretary, Comrade Nura Shehu Gaya, explained that some of the contentious issues were resolved after a meeting with the government representatives facilitated and conciliated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammad Maigari Dangyadi.

The memo titled, “Suspension of planned three-day warning strike,” stated that at the conciliatory meeting, it was made clear that the government has taken cognizance of all the issues raised by the unions.

The memo read: “Arising from the Notice of warning strike issued by our Union, the Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment conveyed a meeting in response to our notice of a three-day warning strike,

“The meeting, which was Chaired by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment and attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FML&E), was characterised by a roboust engagement between stakeholders.

“At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed.

“The government, through this MoU, reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns raised by SSANIP which included the rightful progression of Non-Teaching Staff to CONTEDISS 15.

“It was unanimously agreed that the demands of SSANIP are legitimate, and all stakeholders present pledged to work towards ensuring a resolution that upholds equity and justice within the Polytechnic system.

“In light of this development, the warning strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 is hereby suspended forthwith, as we monitor unfolding events regarding the ongoing review of Schemes of service.

“We commend all members for their solidarity and patience during this period and urge everyone to remain vigilant and united as we await the implementation of the agreed measures.

“Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the cause of fairness and progress within the Polytechnic system.”

SSANIP had earlier in its resolution noted that since the Committee handling the Polytechnics Scheme of Service has not concluded its assignment, it was advised to prevail on its members to show understanding by not embarking on any industrial action.

According to the resolution: “This is harped on the belief that all the fears raised will be addressed in the course of the committee assignment.

“Following this, SSANIP accepted to report back to its relevant organs and to consider its earlier decision on the planned 3-day warning strike.”

The resolution was signed by Comrade Ayodeji M. Bankole, Deputy President SSANIP, Ango U. J, Deputy Director, (PE&AI) FME, Abdulrahman Alfa, Director (HR) NBTE, and Falonipe Amos, Director (TUSIR), FML&E.