Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics Demands Resolution of Outstanding Obligations Before TISSF Implementation.
From Our Correspondent.
The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has urged the Federal Government to fulfill all outstanding financial obligations to its members prior to the implementation of the proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).
In a statement issued today, signed by the National President, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, NOTSUP acknowledged the positive intent behind the introduction of the N10 million interest-free loan scheme. However, the union emphasized that the dignity of labor must be respected through the prompt resolution of previously agreed financial commitments to staff.
NOTSUP expressed deep concern over unresolved arrears, including long-standing migration payments dating back to 2013, promotion arrears for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as outstanding salary arrears resulting from a 25% and 35% pay rise, minimum wage consequential adjustments, and wage awards.
The union highlighted that these figures represent the rightful earnings of workers who have consistently served the public sector amidst challenging economic conditions.
Furthermore, the statement condemned the exclusion of Monotechnics and Colleges of Technology from the TISSF implementation, calling it unjust and inequitable. NOTSUP argued that these institutions, akin to Polytechnics, play a vital role in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework, significantly contributing to national development through specialized training and capacity building.
The union is calling for the urgent inclusion of Monotechnics and Colleges of Technology in the TISSF scheme to ensure fair treatment across all categories of workers within the tertiary education sector.
The statement described any continued exclusion as institutional discrimination that must be addressed promptly.
In conclusion, NOTSUP reiterated that the resolution of all outstanding emoluments is a prerequisite for any new financial assistance schemes, including the TISSF.
The union warned that the continued delay in addressing these obligations, coupled with selective support measures, undermines their members’ economic stability, morale, and trust in the government.
NOTSUP urged the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Budget Office to take immediate action to address these concerns, thereby preventing potential unrest and safeguarding the integrity of future initiatives aimed at supporting workers in tertiary institutions.