• ASUP has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the management of Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi over unresolved staff welfare concerns
• The union accused the management of failing to facilitate staff enrollment in the National Housing Fund and NHIA schemes
• ASUP warned that failure to address the issues could lead to industrial action

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi chapter in Abia State, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the institution’s management, citing unresolved staff welfare issues and alleged violations of statutory obligations.

The ultimatum was conveyed in a letter dated May 26, 2026, and addressed to the Rector, Dr. Pdi Ndubuisi. The document was jointly signed by the chapter chairman, Mr. Ador Osundu, and secretary, Mr. Onyeneke Arrhenius.

According to the union, several attempts to engage the management through dialogue, official correspondence, and congress resolutions have failed to produce meaningful action.

ASUP stated that the continued neglect of its demands has created “industrial tension, eroding trust, and threatening the stability of the institution.”

The union warned that if the issues remain unresolved after the expiration of the ultimatum, it would be left with no option but to activate “all lawful trade union mechanisms, including industrial action.”

The notice, which was adopted during the union’s congress held on May 22, 2026, took effect from May 26, the date it was officially received by management.

Among the grievances raised by the lecturers is the alleged failure of the institution to facilitate staff enrollment into the National Housing Fund (NHF).

ASUP argued that management has not invited NHF officials to sensitise employees or commence enrollment, contrary to provisions of the National Housing Fund Act.

The union also accused the management of neglecting the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme for staff members, thereby denying them access to affordable healthcare benefits guaranteed under relevant health laws.

Another major issue highlighted by ASUP concerns the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for a borehole project. The union called for transparency and accountability in the handling of the project funds.

“We call for an independent audit of the project fund, failure to do that will force us to petition the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” the union stated.

ASUP further expressed concern over what it described as a persistent shortage of drugs and medical supplies at the institution’s health centre.

The lecturers maintained that the situation undermines staff welfare and reflects a failure in the institution’s duty of care.

The union consequently demanded the immediate restocking of medical supplies and the engagement of qualified healthcare personnel.

Additionally, ASUP accused the management of failing to remit deducted check-off dues from February 2026 to date, describing the action as a breach of the Trade Unions Act and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

Despite the tensions, the union reiterated its willingness to engage in discussions with the institution’s leadership before the ultimatum expires.

“The union remains open to negotiation until the ultimatum expires, should management invite its leadership for talks,” the letter noted.

ASUP added that it remains committed to promoting industrial harmony, staff welfare, and the overall development of the institution.

Reacting to the allegations, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Mrs. Anukaenyi Blessing, declined to comment, stating that she was not a member of the institution’s management board.

FG faces ultimatum as labour threaten action over unpaid wage awards

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that organised labour in the federal public service had issued a deadline to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of funds to settle three months’ outstanding wage awards and other pending allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The unions alleged that government agencies were ready to process payments but were being held back by the non-release of funds from the Ministry of Finance.