By SUNTV Global Channel | January 22, 2026
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has outrightly rejected the newly reviewed Schemes of Service for Nigerian Polytechnics prepared by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), describing the document as discriminatory, elitist, and capable of destabilising industrial harmony in the sector.
The rejection followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by NBTE in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026.In a strongly worded minority report addressed to the Honourable Minister of Education, SSANIP accused the NBTE of introducing wide disparities between teaching and non-teaching staff, particularly at entry and career progression levels.The report, signed by SSANIP National President, Comrade Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe, stated that the reviewed schemes unfairly disadvantage non-teaching staff by blocking their progression to CONTEDISS 15 (equivalent to Grade Level 17), even when such staff possess first degrees.
According to the Association, this decision directly contradicts existing public service rules and long-standing salary structures recognised by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission as well as the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.Ogunsipe lamented that relevant documentary evidence confirming the legitimacy of CONTEDISS 15 was presented at the meeting but allegedly ignored by NBTE officials.SSANIP also condemned comments attributed to the Chairman of the Committee of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology of Nigeria (COHEADS), who reportedly suggested that Rectors and some non-teaching staff should not retire on the same grade level.
The Association described the remarks as demeaning, discriminatory, elitist, and inconsistent with public service regulations.“With this minority report, SSANIP hereby passes a vote of no confidence in the ability of the NBTE to produce fair, balanced, and acceptable Schemes of Service for Nigerian Polytechnics,” Ogunsipe declared.
The Association further criticised the decision taken at the stakeholders’ meeting to exclude the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation from the preparation and approval process, stressing that it is the only legally mandated authority for Schemes of Service within the federal public service.SSANIP appealed to the Minister of Education to objectively review its protest, warning that failure to address the issues raised could deepen inequality and trigger avoidable industrial unrest.While expressing confidence in the Minister’s leadership and impartiality, the Association insisted that upholding SSANIP’s position would protect equity, ensure parity with universities and colleges of education, and preserve stability across Nigeria’s polytechnic system.
