The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has commended the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje on the released New Unified Scheme of Service for polytechnics in Nigeria.

The union gave the commendation in a communique at the end of its 72d quarterly General Executive Council meeting at Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State by its National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsipe and National Secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya.

SSANIP urged the appropriate regulatory agencies to urgently look into some of the gray areas in the document before implementation.

The union said this should be done for industrial harmony and stability in the system.

“Council in session recognised and appreciate the extra efforts of the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje for their tenacity, drive, commitment and strength towards the approval and release of a New Unified Scheme of Service for Polytechnics in Nigeria.

“Council noted that there are some gray areas which need to be worked upon to make the document suitable for use. Council therefore called on the appropriate regulatory agencies to urgently look into these gray areas for industrial harmony and stability in the system.”

The polytechnic workers also lauded the Federal Government for implementing the 25/35 per cent wage increase in state-owned polytechnics and colleges of technology.

The union appealed to other state governments to immediately implement the 25 – 35 per cent wage increase in their various institutions for industrial harmony and peace.

“Council in session is grateful to the Federal Government for the Implementation of the 25/35% wage increase earlier in the year. Council equally noted that no state owned Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology has enjoyed same except the government of Ekiti State which has graciously extended it to the workers of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti and College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti respectively. Council therefore appeals to other state governments to immediately implement this 25/35% wage increase in their various institutions for industrial harmony and peace.

“Council in session particularly appreciates the governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for being workers friendly and standing tall among his counterparts,” the communique stated.

The workers also made a case for the payment of wage award for March till date.

“Council in session is calling on the Federal and State Governments to pay without further delay the arrears of wage award from the month of March till date in tandem with the promise made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation that government will resume the payment of the said wage award since the National Minimum Wage is yet to be approved and implemented,” the union said. (The Nation)

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