The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics in Zone B has threatened to embark on a strike over the new scheme of service introduced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the dichotomy in entry points for lecturers. The union rejects the scheme, citing a lack of consultation with academic staff and bias in favor of bachelor’s degree holders over Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate holders.
The union also opposes the splitting of the senior lecturer level, the elongation of the lecturer cadre, and the introduction of national skills qualifications as a requirement for advancement.
Additionally, they demand the reinstatement of HND pharmaceutical technology, which was excluded from the document despite a court order.
The union’s zonal coordinator, Simji Lumpye, stated that the issues must be addressed to prevent a strike, which would affect polytechnic education in the country.