Federal Polytechnic Bida ASUP Chapter Suspends Strike
ASUP strike has been suspended by the ASUP chapter of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida. This was contained in a memo issued by the leadership of the Union. We reported to you earlier that the Federal Polytechnic, Jigawa, ASUP Chaper called off the 10-month old strike.
Bida Polytechnic Pulls out of ASUP Strike
1.0 Sequel to the series of appellate meetings held by the Management of the Polytechnic with the Leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bida Chapter, including the interactive meeting held with the same group by the Chairman of the Polytechnic Governing Council (His Excellency, Col. Theophilus O. Bamigboye) on May 7, 2014, for the Union to at least suspend the lingering National strike (like many others had done) to enable the Polytechnic commence and complete the Second Semester of year 2012/2013 Academic session. Management met on Friday May 16, 2014 to review the non-response by the Union to all the pleas and to critically look at the impact of the strike as it affects all facet of life in the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, most especially the students and staff of the Institution.
Consequently, Management has resolved that to avoid total collapse of this Institution, all staff on strike should suspend their actions immediately and resume work to enable the Polytechnic, at least, commence and conclude the year 2012/2013 Second Semester as it had been confirmed that this Polytechnic is lagging behind all the other 22 Federal Polytechnics in the country in all spheres of Academic activities.
2.0 The action by the management is premised on the following:
a) It has been observed that the National strike has been lingering on for more than necessary despite genuine intervention by well-meaning individuals and groups such as the Committee of Chairmen of Federal Polytechnic Governing Councils, COHEADS, students, Emirate Council and others. While the Management shares the sentiments of the Unions for fighting a just cause, the impact of the strike could no longer be borne by the Federal Polytechnic, Bida and God forbids, if action is not taken now, it may lead to the total collapse of the system here.
b) It has been confirmed that currently, some of the Federal Polytechnics did not join or had suspended their participation in the on-going strike, to attend to their peculiar challenges (similar to what is obtainable in Bida) – such Polytechnics include Auchi, Bali, Damaturu, Offa, Kebbi, Ede, Ilaro, Ado-Ekiti, to mention just eight. Also about twenty of the Federal Polytechnics had concluded their 2012/2013 Academic sessions before joining the strike, unlike the situation in this Polytechnic.
c) Management notes that admissions of candidates for the 2013/2014 for ND and HND had been done and almost all the admitted candidates had paid the Acceptance fees. JAMB had even released the results of year 2014/2015 UTME. This is a dilemma for the system.
d) All the scholarship proposals made available to the students of this institution by the Telecommunication companies such as MTN for 2013/2014 session would now be missed by our brilliant students as we shall have no result to present.
3.0 In order to ameliorate the effect of the recently suspended allowances on our staff, the Chairman on behalf of the Governing Council had on May 7, 2014 graciously directed that the allowances be reviewed and reinstated immediately. This, the Management had done in conjunction with the leadership of ASUP and a copy of the reviewed allowances made available as appropriate.
4.0 Management Directive
In arriving at its directives therefore, Management considered the plight of the innocent students who have suffered greatly from the ongoing strike (in addition to the set-back to their future career), coupled with the fact that this Polytechnic (which has standard) has not even commenced the second semester of 2012/2013 Academic session.
Also Management resolved to take all actions and steps to ensure the survival of this Great Institution from impending collapse bearing in mind that the corporate existence of this institution is the responsibility of all.
Management therefore directs that ALL STAFF ON STRIKE IN THIS POLYTECHNIC should their actions and resume work immediately. Such staff are to submit all relevant information required in the Template with their Heads of Department or School Officer between Monday May 26, and Wednesday May 28, 2014.
On behalf of the Rector, I wish to thank all staff for their show of concern at this trying time.
(Signature)
Chief Bisi Adeyemi
Registrar
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