The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), Zone E, has called on the Federal Government to fully implement the directives and mandates of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) regarding the proper delineation of duties in polytechnics.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 49th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the SSANIP South-South Zone held at the Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State.

The communiqué, signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Godwin Ikhide, and Zonal Secretary, Eni Usang, stressed that the implementation of NBTE directives would curb the alleged usurpation of non-teaching staff roles by teaching staff within the polytechnic system.

“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,” the communiqué stated.

The council also expressed concern about the delay in implementing the 2019 Scheme of Service, describing it as counterproductive and calling on the Federal Government to expedite action.

It said, “Council expresses reservation over the delay in the implementation of the 2019 Scheme of Service and calls on the Federal Government to expedite action on it.”

On welfare matters, SSANIP urged its branches to strengthen internal welfare schemes for members while commending the national leadership for effective representation in negotiations and engagements with the government.

The association also praised the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ukana for effective use of TETFund allocations, noting that over 80 per cent of infrastructural projects in the institution were funded through TETFund support.

However, the council expressed concern over rising insecurity and increasing fuel prices in the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the challenges.

“The council urges the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the high level of insecurity and the prices of petroleum products, which are affecting everybody, including our members,” it added.

The Deputy National Secretary of SSANIP, Dr Emmanuel Enyiegor, said ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government were expected to produce mutually acceptable outcomes on remuneration, the review of the scheme of service, allowances, and working conditions in the polytechnic sector.

The association said it remained optimistic that ongoing discussions would eventually improve staff welfare and boost productivity across institutions.

The grievances raised by SSANIP reflect long-standing tensions within Nigeria’s polytechnic system over job roles, recognition and welfare issues between teaching and non-teaching staff.