Wonderful!
After over 20 years struggle of Nigerian Polytechnic students and
graduates including the staff unions and heads of Polytechnic in
Nigeria, the dichotomy between university and poly graduates is over.
I am pleased to announce to the public that the COUNCIL OF ESTABLISHMENT
which comprises of all the head of service of the 36 States of the
Federation and the head of service of the Federation approved the
removal of this long overdue dichotomy which hinder the career
progression of HND holders in civil service in her meeting held in Minna
Niger state capital during the week after an exhaustive deliberation,
pro and anti deposition which ended with tie vote of 16 against 16 while
the head of service of the Federation voted in support as presiding
officer after the tie, to earn the Polytechnic sector the victory.
Making the vote 17 pro against 16 anti.
Henceforth, this resolution automatically lift embargo on HND holder
career progression in civil service as the holder can now rise beyond
Deputy Director in civil service as well enjoy all sort of
benefits/promotion to the topmost rank due to BSc holders in civil
service.
It is on record that this same Council was the sole obstacle for this
struggle since year 2005 when President Olusegun Obasanjo pronounced the
removal of this dichotomy, the Council called the then president
statement a mere pronouncement with out documentation and refused it
adoption nor implementation.
It will be recalled that the last meeting of the council which was held
at Ilorin kwara state capital witness heavy presence of Nigeria
Polytechnic students which I personally led as the National Senate
President of NAPS to the council in protest for the need for the council
to reconsider her position on the said matter.
A position paper was submitted after the protest as demanded by the then
head of service of Federation who was the chairman of the Council,
unfortunately, the matter was completely discussed nor concluded at
Ilorin until now in her next meeting in Niger state.
The Council often meets every 3 years, On behalf of the entire West
Africa Polytechnic students and most especially the Nigeria Polytechnic
students, I express sincere gratitude to the head of service of states
and that of the Federation who stood for us and with us, the Federal
Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education NTBE,
Council of Head of Polytechnic and Colleges of Technology COHEADS,
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic ASUP, past and present leadership of
National Association Of Polytechnic Students NAPS and by extension the
Nigerians Union of journalist for their support all through the
struggle.
We look forward for immediate implementation by all state of the Federation, Federal government agencies and departments.
