Polytechnic Union Rejects Service Scheme, Warns of Career Injustice
Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) rejects a revised scheme of service proposed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), warning that it institutionalises inequality and blocks career progression for non-teaching staff.
SSANIP National President Philip Ogunsipe announces the rejection Thursday, confirming that the union submits a minority report to Education Minister Dr Moruf Alausa following a contentious stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
The union says the revised scheme creates sharp disparities between teaching and non-teaching staff at entry level, effectively denying qualified non-teaching employees advancement to CONTEDISS 15, equivalent to Grade Level 17.
“Documentary evidence from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission confirming CONTEDISS 15 was ignored,” Ogunsipe says. “So were submissions from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.”
SSANIP also condemned remarks attributed to the Committee of Heads of Polytechnics, suggesting that rectors and non-teaching staff should not retire on the same grade levels.
Ogunsipe describes the position as “demeaning, elitist and discriminatory,” adding that it contradicts established public service rules.
With the minority report submitted, the union declares a vote of no confidence in NBTE’s ability to produce a fair scheme, citing what it calls “persistent bias” and disregard for regulations.
SSANIP further rejects the decision to exclude the Office of the Head of Civil Service from approving schemes of service, warning that the move is counterproductive and threatens systemic imbalance.
The union insists that polytechnic staff must not be denied benefits already enjoyed within universities and colleges of education.
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