Ogwashi-Uku Poly: Non-Academic Staff (NASU & SSANIP) Reject ASUP’s Two-Week Warning Strike

Ogwashi-Uku Poly: Non-Academic Staff (NASU & SSANIP) Reject ASUP’s Two-Week Warning Strike

By Globalegberimedia 

Delta State, Nigeria — The tension within Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has deepened as non-academic unions — the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Institutes and Polytechnics (SSANIP) — have officially rejected the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).

This move signals a split in the institution’s labour front, raising questions about unity and the broader implications for governance and accountability at the Polytechnic.

Background of the Crisis

The dispute stems from ongoing investigations into allegations of certificate racketeering, result manipulation, and financial recklessness involving key administrative officers of the institution, including the Rector and Registrar.

The Governing Council — led by Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu — maintains that the suspensions of implicated officials were part of a lawful, government-sanctioned probe. The Council insists that due process is being followed and that ASUP’s demand for reinstatement undermines transparency and accountability.

ASUP, however, argues that the suspensions were politically motivated and that the Governing Council’s continued stay undermines staff welfare and academic integrity. The union, therefore, declared a two-week warning strike to press for its demands, including:

  • Dissolution of the Governing Council

  • Reinstatement of suspended officials

  • Reversal of alleged administrative excesses

NASU and SSANIP’s Position

In a surprising twist, non-academic staff unions — NASU and SSANIP — have distanced themselves from the strike.
Sources within the unions disclosed that the action was “unilateral, ill-timed, and not in the collective interest of the Polytechnic community.”

Their decision not to join the strike implies that while academic activities may be affected, critical administrative, security, and maintenance operations will continue. The refusal also suggests growing concern among workers about the politicization of union activities and the negative impact of repeated disruptions on institutional stability.

Council’s Reaction

The Governing Council has described the ASUP strike as “a calculated attempt to obstruct justice and protect individuals under investigation.”
The Council noted that the suspended officers are not members of ASUP and that the union’s intervention is a clear case of overreach.

It urged the Delta State Government and the public to disregard the strike, insisting that the ongoing probe — supervised by the House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor’s office — will not be derailed.

ASUP’s Defence

ASUP maintains that its strike is not about shielding anyone from investigation but about ensuring fairness, institutional reform, and protection of members from victimization.
The union further argued that the Governing Council’s actions have crippled academic freedom and morale on campus.

Implications and Broader Concerns

  1. Disrupted Academic Calendar:
    While non-academic staff remain at work, the absence of lectures and examinations could slow the semester’s progress.

  2. Union Division:
    The rift between ASUP and the other staff unions weakens collective bargaining and highlights the need for internal dialogue.

  3. Governance Accountability:
    The Delta State Government must strike a balance between ensuring justice and maintaining uninterrupted education for students.

  4. Political Undertones:
    Both sides accuse each other of political manipulation, underscoring the urgent need for transparency.

Editorial Insight

The unfolding crisis at Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic is not merely a labour issue but a test of institutional ethics and leadership.
Unions exist to protect the rights of their members — not to interfere with lawful investigations. The Council, on the other hand, must ensure that its disciplinary measures remain transparent and fair.

The Delta State Government must act swiftly to mediate, protect students’ academic interests, and restore peace on campus.

Conclusion

As things stand, the Polytechnic community remains divided — ASUP on one side, NASU and SSANIP on the other, and students caught in between.
Observers hope that dialogue, not confrontation, will eventually prevail.

Global Egberi Media International will continue to monitor developments closely and provide verified updates as the situation evolves.

Source: Oasis Magazine / Sahara Reporters / The Nation / Asaba Metro

✍️ Written by: Globalegberimedia 
Publisher: Global Egberi Media International
🌐 https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com | 📞 +234 813 490 2214

Tags:

#OgwashiUkuPolytechnic #ASUP #NASU #SSANIP #DeltaState #EducationNews #CampusUpdates #GlobalEgberiMedia

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