Senior polytechnic staff in Akwa Ibom call for enforcement of NBTE duty‑delineation rule.

Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, Zone E, has urged the rapid implementation of the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) directives on the clear delineation of duties within the polytechnic system.

The call was made during the conclusion of the 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of SSANIP South‑South zone, which convened at the Federal Polytechnic Ukana in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

In a communique endorsed by Zonal Coordinator Godwin Ikhide and Zonal Secretary Eni Bassey Usang, the union stated that proper enforcement of the directive would curb the frequent usurpation of non‑teaching staff positions by teaching staff, a trend it says has been increasingly observed.

“The Council frowned at the continuous usurpation of positions and responsibilities meant for Non‑Teaching Staff in the Polytechnic sector and called for the speedy implementation of the directives and mandates of the National Board for Technical Education regarding the proper delineation of duties in the system,” the communique read.

The council also voiced concerns over the ongoing delay in the release of the 2019 scheme of service and urged the federal government to expedite its immediate publication and implementation.

Regarding staff welfare, SSANIP encouraged branches to introduce and strengthen welfare schemes for members, while applauding the national leadership of the association for its effective representation in negotiations and engagements aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, particularly SSANIP members.

The association commended the management of Federal Polytechnic Ukana for its effective use of TETFund allocations, noting that more than 80 percent of projects at the institution are funded by TETFund.

The council expressed discontent over the country’s high insecurity levels and rising petroleum product prices, urging the federal government to take action as these issues are affecting the masses, including polytechnic staff.

Speaking with Deputy National Secretary Dr Emmanuel Enyiegor, he highlighted ongoing negotiations between the federal government and tertiary institutions, noting that a mutually beneficial outcome is expected soon for both unions and the government.

“We are hopeful that in a time not far from now, we’ll be able to come up with a position that will be okay for both Federal Government and unions, that will reflect same to our members and outside the issue of remuneration, there are other things on the table by the union regarding the schemes of service and conditions of service, a review of certain allowances that are due workers in the polytechnic sector, and of course, work environments, and then of staff development, which will also translate at the end of the day to productivity,” he said.