Polytechnic lecturers ultimatum to FG expires, set for strike

The 15-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to the Federal Government to meet its demands is set to expire on Oct. 23.

The group had threatened to embark on strike should the government fail to address the contentious new scheme of service for polytechnic lecturers across the country.

As the deadline approaches, more lecturers have endorsed the ASUP National Executive Council’s (NEC) position to mobilise members to withdraw their services once the ultimatum expires.

Dr Iloma Richard, ASUP Zone D Coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the government has yet to address the contentious issues in the new guidelines.

Richard said that ASUP had suspended its planned industrial action on July 22, following the Federal Government’s intervention, which mandated the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to review the disputed guidelines.

“The strike was suspended to create the necessary environment for the speedy resolution of all contentious issues through the stakeholder engagement process.

“Regrettably, as I speak, no progress has been made in this direction due to the obvious reluctance of NBTE.

“The union has also noted, with regret, a similar attitude of the government towards other welfare needs of the union’s members,” he said.

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The union leader highlighted the alleged disregard for quality control in polytechnic education, warning that, if allowed to persist, it would lead to the collapse of technical and vocational education in the country.

According to him, polytechnic lecturers in Zone D, comprising the South-South and South-East states, would withdraw their services once ASUP’s NEC issues such a directive.

“This position has been articulated by our national leadership and formally communicated to all relevant authorities, with a subsisting 15-day ultimatum effective from Oct. 8.

“We shall not hesitate to swiftly mobilise our members from all chapters in the zone if, upon the expiration of the ultimatum, NEC directs any form of industrial action,” Richard added.

NAN reports that the contentious issues in the new scheme include the delayed stakeholders’ engagement on the scheme of service and the non-release of the stakeholders-validated Condition of Service for polytechnics.

Other issues include the inconsistent provisions of the Federal Polytechnic Act and the laws establishing state-owned institutions, particularly concerning the appointment of principal officers.

Additionally, concerns were raised over the delayed implementation of a 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary review for state-owned polytechnics, as well as the release of arrears for federal polytechnics.

Polytechnic lecturers ultimatum to FG expires, set for strike

Chinese University Scholarship now open for international students

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Scholarship is looking to attract persons from around the world for Master’s and PhD programs in China.

This initiative promotes diversity and academic collaboration within the university community.

According to Scholarship Region, applications for the 2025 SJTU Scholarship are now open for international students, providing opportunities for academic advancement and cultural exchange.

Benefits 

The SJTU Scholarship offers significant financial support to selected students. The funding may come from the Chinese Government, the Shanghai Government, or the university itself. The benefits include:

• Full coverage of tuition fees
• Monthly stipends to assist with living expenses
• Subsidized university housing
• Coverage for travel costs

These benefits aim to ease the financial burden on international students, allowing them to focus on their studies.

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Reports inform that SJTU is recognized as one of the leading higher education institutions in China and is currently ranked 45th globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.

The university serves over 4,000 international students from 156 countries, further offering a wide range of graduate programs in both English and Chinese across its 34 colleges and schools. This diverse environment,  according to reports, fosters collaboration and innovation among students.

Eligibility Requirements for the SJTU Scholarship 

To qualify for the SJTU Scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid passport.
• Health and Character: Candidates should be in good health, both physically and mentally, and must meet the medical examination requirements set by both their home country and the university. A clean criminal record and a positive attitude toward China are also necessary.
• Behavior and Compliance: Applicants must demonstrate good behavior and a willingness to adhere to Chinese laws, regulations, and SJTU’s rules.

Educational Qualifications: 

• For Master’s program candidates, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• For Doctoral program applicants, a Master’s degree or equivalent is necessary.

Required Documents for Application 

Candidates interested in applying for the SJTU Scholarship must prepare several documents:

• Degree Certificates: Scanned copies are required. Applicants who have not yet graduated must provide an official letter from their current institution indicating their expected graduation date.
• Transcripts: Scanned copies of transcripts are necessary. Master’s applicants need their undergraduate transcripts, while Doctoral candidates must provide both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
• Language Proficiency Proof: Documentation of language proficiency is required.
• Passport Copy: A scanned copy of the applicant’s ordinary passport must be submitted.
• Passport-sized Photo: A recent photo is required.
• Personal Statement and Study Plan: Applicants must articulate their goals and academic plans.
• Academic Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from academic referees are needed.

For applicants to specific programs, such as those in the School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, the School of Mechanical Engineering, or the School of Materials Science and Engineering, it is necessary to contact a potential supervisor prior to applying. An acceptance letter from the supervisor must be included in the application.

Application Process

Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the SJTU website. It is essential to ensure that all required documents are complete and submitted before the application deadline.

Chinese University Scholarship now open for international students

No more application fees for Lagos scholarship, bursary – Sanwo-Olu

GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, yesterday, approved the removal of application fees for the award of scholarships and bursaries offered by the Lagos State Scholarship Board, LSSB, to beneficiaries.

The LSSB Secretary, Mr AbdurRahman Lekki, in a statement, explained that the decision aligns with the administration’s initiative aimed at promoting youth empowerment and social inclusion.

Lekki noted that eliminating the fees addresses concerns raised by stakeholders regarding access to educational opportunities, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.

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He further explained that the revenue generated from the fees constituted only 0.5 per cent of the agency’s budget, reinforcing the justification for their removal.

Lekki added that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision highlights “a strong commitment to equitable education and strengthens the state’s reputation as a supportive administration for youth.”

No more application fees for Lagos scholarship, bursary – Sanwo-Olu