THE Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) have issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve outstanding issues affecting polytechnic staff, warning that failure to act could trigger a nationwide strike.
The countdown, which started on August 27, 2025, was announced in a communique following the association’s 77th General Executive Council meeting held at Audu Bako College of Agriculture in Danbatta, Kano State.
Among their demands, the union is calling for the release of the new Scheme of Service, the establishment of a committee to renegotiate the 2010 Agreement, payment of all owed arrears, and the release of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Needs Assessment Funds.
The statement, jointly signed by SSANIP President Philip Ogunsipe and National Secretary Shehu Gaya, criticized the Federal Government for what it described as insincerity and mere “lip service” in addressing previous agreements.
“The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics convened its 77th General Executive Council meeting from August 26 to 28, 2025, where issues impacting the union and welfare of its members were extensively reviewed,” the communique read.
“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;
“After exhausting its patience on the above items, the council observed with great displeasure the insincerity of the government in keeping to previous agreements or prioritising 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.
“Based on the above, the Union demands immediate action on the listed issues within twenty-one (21) days beginning from today, 27th August, 2025, or we will be left with no option but to withdraw our services across the Nation.”