Umar Idris Shuaibu – Kano
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), have express her displeasure over the contentious New Scheme of Service for Polytechnics in Nigeria.
The Zone ‘A’ Coordinator of the union Abdul’aziz Ibrahim Badaru stated this today, during a news conference in School of Management Student of Kano State Polytechnic.
Ibrahim Badaru said the recent introduction of a new scheme of service for Polytechnics in Nigeria has sparked considerable debate and concern among stakeholders in the education sector, precisely the polytechnic sector.
“This news conference is aimed at addressing the key contentious points and the implications they hold for the polytechnic community and the broader educational landscape.
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“Dichotomy in Graduate Assistant Entry Level: The new scheme introduces a controversial dichotomy in the entry-level for Graduate Assistants.”
According to him, this change appears to create an uneven playing field, potentially leading to disparities in recruitment and career progression between BSc and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.
He said such a dichotomy could undermine morale and foster discontent among new entrants into the polytechnic teaching cadre.
He said that splitting of Senior Lecturer cadre: Another significant change is the splitting of the senior lecturer cadre.
“This alteration complicates the career advancement process, creating additional hurdles for lecturers aspiring to reach higher academic ranks.
“The implications of this change on the motivation and retention of senior academic staff warrant careful consideration.
“Extension of Residency from Senior Lecturer cadre: Extending the residency period from senior lecturers and above for four years residency on a particular grade level further complicates the path to higher academic positions.
“This extension could delay promotions and affect the career trajectory of many seasoned academics, potentially discouraging long term commitment to polytechnic teaching.
“Elongation of Lecturer Cadre to Nine Levels: The elongation of the lecturer cadre to nine levels introduces a more granular and extended hierarchy within the academic staff.
“While this might aim to provide clearer career progression, it also risks creating a more bureaucratic and less flexible system that could stifle innovation and responsiveness within polytechnic institutions.
“Classification of Technologists as Non-Academic Staff: Perhaps one of the most contentious aspects of the new scheme is the classification of technologists as non-academic staff.”
The Zone ‘A’ Coordinator Abdul’aziz Ibrahim Badaru further said that, as the ultimatum of 15 days given by the union is ending, there will be a NEC meeting on Monday in Abuja to decide on the next plan of action.