Following a call from one of our Senators and the State Liaison Council (SLC), I undertook an intervention visit to Bayelsa State to engage stakeholders over the ongoing crisis and ASUP strike at Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, with the aim of protecting students’ welfare and restoring academic activities.
The delegation met with the Rector and appealed for the restoration of the suspended SUG and also discuss on possible way out to of the ongoing strike. We also engaged ASUP, which raised concerns over the Polytechnic’s administration, the appointment and tenure of the Rector, compliance with the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Law 2014, the Rector’s qualification and the role of the Governing Council, as well as infrastructure and TETFund projects.
NAPS emphasised that all allegations should be properly investigated and addressed through due process, while urging management and ASUP to embrace dialogue in the interest of students.
We also met with the Honourable Commissioner for Education, who appreciated the intervention and disclosed that he had already been briefed by the Secretary of the SMC, Comr. Kenneth Jacob, and had engaged ASUP on the matter. He assured us that the state government was working to resolve the crisis and would seek the Governor’s urgent intervention to facilitate the students’ return to school.
NAPS calls for sustained dialogue, respect for due process and adherence to relevant laws, stressing that students must not continue to suffer the consequences of prolonged disagreements. We will continue to follow up until academic activities are fully restored and students’ rights and welfare are protected.
Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim A.
National President
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
