The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has strongly opposed the newly amended scheme of service introduced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), warning that the policy could deepen inequality and undermine staff morale across the polytechnic system.
In a minority report submitted to the Minister of Education, SSANIP’s National President, Philip Ogunsipe, outlined the union’s dissatisfaction with key aspects of the revised scheme. According to the union, the amendments fail to reflect fairness, equity, and long-standing public service principles that govern career progression in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Concerns Over Career Progression
One of the union’s major objections centers on career stagnation for non-academic staff. SSANIP argues that under the amended scheme, non-teaching personnel — even those with first degrees — may be prevented from attaining top salary grades equivalent to Grade Level 17. The union describes this as discriminatory and inconsistent with existing civil service practices.
SSANIP further criticized remarks reportedly suggesting that rectors and certain staff categories should not retire on comparable salary levels. The union described such views as elitist and capable of creating division within the polytechnic workforce.
Alleged Disregard for Official Guidelines
Beyond issues of equity, the union accused the drafting process of ignoring key submissions and official circulars from relevant government authorities. According to SSANIP, established guidelines from salary and civil service regulatory bodies were not adequately considered, raising questions about transparency and compliance.
The union insists that overlooking these documents undermines institutional trust and weakens the credibility of the revised scheme.
Call for Review and Industrial Harmony
SSANIP has called on the Federal Ministry of Education to review the amended scheme objectively, stressing the need for a structure that promotes fairness, motivates staff, and sustains industrial peace. The union also urged the government to ensure that polytechnic staff enjoy conditions of service comparable to those in universities and colleges of education.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its technical and vocational education sector, the controversy highlights the importance of inclusive policymaking and reforms that recognize the contributions of all categories of education professionals.
