Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi Faces ASUP's 21-Day Deadline Over Unmet Staff Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi chapter in Abia State, has given the institution's management a 21-day ultimatum. This comes after the management allegedly failed to implement staff welfare demands and breached statutory obligations. In a letter dated May 26, 2026, addressed to the Rector, Dr. Pdi Ndubuisi, the union expressed its dissatisfaction with the management's inaction. The letter was jointly signed by the ASUP chairman, Mr. Ador Osundu, and the secretary, Mr. Onyeneke Arrhenius. According to the union, repeated efforts to address these issues through dialogue, congresses, and official correspondence have been unsuccessful, leading to industrial tension and erosion of trust within the institution. The union warned that if the issues are not resolved within the given timeframe, it would be compelled to activate all lawful trade union mechanisms, including industrial action. The 21-day ultimatum, which was adopted at the union's congress on May 22, 2026, took effect from the date of receipt of the letter. The union listed six unresolved issues, citing violations of Nigerian labour, health, and anti-corruption laws. These issues include the management's failure to invite National Housing Fund officials for staff sensitisation and enrolment, as well as the failure to facilitate National Health Insurance enrolment for staff. The union also raised concerns over the alleged diversion of funds approved for a borehole project into a personal account, calling for an independent audit of the project fund. Furthermore, the union decried the chronic shortage of essential drugs and medical supplies at the health centre, describing it as a failure of the institution's duty of care. The union demanded immediate restocking and engagement of competent medical personnel. It also expressed dissatisfaction over the management's failure to remit deducted check-off dues from February 2026 till date, calling it a violation of the Trade Unions Act and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution. The union remains open to negotiation until the ultimatum expires, should the management invite its leadership for talks. The Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mrs. Anukaenyi Blessing, stated that she cannot comment on the petition as she is not a member of the management board of the institution.