ASUP warns State Governments against diversion of bailout fund

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has sent a strong warning to state governments not to divert the Federal Government’s financial bailout to states for capital projects and political frivolities.

Instead, ASUP urged them to take its advantage to “settle all outstanding salaries and allowances owed its members in order to avert constant disruption of academic activities in the sector.”

In a press statement signed by ASUP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Clement Chirman, the union decried situation where some state polytechnics were closed due to non-payment of salaries to their workers.

While charging the Governors to take advantage of the bailout, it cited the cases of Plateau, Benue, Osun and Oyo among others, where the state governments owe Polytechnic lecturers between six and 10 months’ salary arrears, an experience the union said was unhealthy for the country’s quest for educational development which could impact negatively on the future of Nigerian youths.

Commending President Mohammadu Buhari for coming to the rescue of the states on the matter, ASUP called for close monitoring of the disbursement of the funds to ensure they were used for the purpose for which they were released.

Credit: ThisDay