The Zone B chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has cautioned on the implementation of the new scheme of service by the Head of Service of the Federation.
The union describes as unacceptable to its members the implementation of the new scheme through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
This was contained in a press briefing by the Zonal Coordinator Zone B, Simji Lumpye, held at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos, on Friday.
He said, “The union observed that the responsibility for drafting the scheme of service and its approval, should not be the sole responsibility of the Head of Service. But should include other stakeholders, especially academic staff union of polytechnics.
Lumpye stated that the union is rejecting in its totality the dichotomy in a graduate assistant entry point into the polytechnic as a lecturer. As well as, preference given to Bachelor’s degree over Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate for appointment of registrars and bursars. He described that as being bias and discriminatory.
The union also argued that splitting the senior lecturer level into senior lecturer 11 and senior lecturer 1 will unnecessarily lengthen the lecturer’s care.
They observed that the further elongation of the lecturer cadre to a 9-step structure required a minimum of 26 years to reach the top-most level. The union, therefore, demanded a return to the former structure.
“We have equally observed with great concern the extension of promotion beyond senior lecturer to a minimum of four years which is demoralizing to our members.”
“The introduction of national skills qualifications as a mandatory requirement for advancement in academics is insensitive. And lacks a place in the academic sector in the polytechnic.
“This is an extra burden on lecturers without commiserate benefits to the system. The union is rejecting in all ramifications its inclusion as a requirement for career progression for lecturers.”
The union also complained about the deliberate exclusion of HND pharmaceutical technology from the document. This is in spite of a subsisting court order, which it describes as a gross violation of the rule of law.
The union, therefore, rejected the development. They called on the NBTE, to make every arrangement, and reinstate HND pharmaceutical technologists into the document.
source: Channels TV
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