ASUP Endorses Bill to Establish Polytechnics Commission.

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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has thrown it’s weight behind the bill proposing the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission, currently awaiting final reading and passage at the House of Representatives. 

According to ASUP President Mr. Shammah Kpanja, the bill has garnered full support from stakeholders during a public hearing in August 2024.

Kpanja noted that this effort comes after several failed legislative attempts in the past, saying, “This effort is coming after several failed legislative efforts in the past on the same subject.” 

The Federal Ministry of Education has also endorsed the bill, with the establishment of the Commission clearly outlined in the approved Road Map for the Education sector covering 2024 to 2027.

However, Kpanja expressed surprise at the proposal to establish a Commission for Technical Education, viewing it as a mere name change that would not effectively regulate polytechnics in Nigeria. He described it as “self-serving” and a distraction that could undermine the House of Representatives’ efforts.

ASUP has long advocated for a separate commission to regulate Nigerian polytechnics and monotechnics, currently under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Kpanja emphasized, 

“Our union has been making demands for the establishment of a separate commission to regulate the tertiary education institutions found in the current mix of over 700 institutions under the NBTE.” This, he believes, would ensure improved regulation and align with practices in other tertiary education sub-sectors.

Kpanja reiterated that the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission would provide a dedicated regulatory framework for polytechnics and monotechnics, allowing for more effective governance and oversight.

He commended the sponsor of the bill, Idu Igariwey, and the National Assembly for their efforts in pushing the legislation forward. Kpanja expressed optimism that the bill would be passed into law, paving the way for the establishment of the commission.

The ASUP president urged stakeholders to remain committed to the cause, saying, “We must continue to advocate for the establishment of the National Polytechnics Commission, as it is essential for the growth and development of polytechnic education in Nigeria.”

With the bill awaiting its final reading and passage at the House of Representatives, the polytechnic community remains hopeful that the establishment of the National Polytechnics Commission will soon become a reality.

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