Polytechnic workers across Nigeria, under the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP), have announced a three-day warning strike scheduled to take place from Wednesday, January 22, to Friday, January 24, 2025.

The workers accuse the authorities of marginalizing non-teaching staff and denying them deserved career progression. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, SSANIP’s secretary, Nura Gaya, stated that the strike is necessary to address the ongoing exclusion of non-teaching staff from advancing to the peak of their careers on CONTEDISS 15 under the current redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service.

The union expressed disappointment over what it called an “ongoing plot” to deprive non-teaching staff of their rightful career progression, despite their consistent advocacy for equity and justice within the Polytechnic system. It emphasized that this neglect undermines years of efforts to create an inclusive framework for both teaching and non-teaching staff.

According to SSANIP, previous attempts to engage with the relevant authorities have yielded little to no results, making this warning strike an urgent step to highlight the seriousness of their grievances. The union clarified that addressing the issue would not deprive teaching staff of any benefits, as the two categories of workers operate under distinct salary structures.

The letter urged the Ministry of Education to act decisively to resolve the matter and prevent further escalation, while reaffirming the union’s openness to constructive dialogue. SSANIP expressed hope that the situation could be resolved amicably to avoid further disruptions to the Polytechnic system.

The announcement puts pressure on the government to address the demands, as stakeholders watch closely to see whether the strike will lead to meaningful action or escalate into prolonged industrial unrest.