NBTE Puts Brakes on Polytechnic Scheme of Service Amid Controversy and ASUP Strike Threat

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has put on hold the implementation of the revised scheme of service for polytechnics in Nigeria. This decision comes after the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) embarked on a warning strike and issued an ultimatum to the Federal government to withdraw the scheme, which ends on Monday. ASUP had expressed concerns over certain aspects of the scheme and demanded its withdrawal. In a circular dated July 19, 2024, and signed by NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Bugaje, the board announced the suspension of the scheme. The circular was addressed to the Governing Council, Rectors, and Provosts of federal and state polytechnics across the country. It stated, "Further to the many issues raised on the June 2024 schemes of service earlier circulated, I wish to convey approval of the suspension of implementation until all grey areas are addressed." This move is seen as a response to the concerns raised by ASUP and other stakeholders in the education sector.