The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), NILEST Chapter, has honoured a retiring technologist and former union leader, Ahmed Halid, at a valedictory congress marked by tributes to his service and renewed calls for improved staff welfare.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the union, Joseph Odey Oko, described Halid as a committed unionist whose contributions were defined by discipline, humility, and constructive engagement in union activities.
Oko noted that although Halid served as Vice Chairman of the union, his impact went beyond titles, emphasizing that his calm, reasoned, and principled approach to issues strengthened collective decision-making within the congress.
“He was a silent but constant voice whose contributions were always measured and constructive. His commitment to union ideals and staff welfare remained evident throughout his service,” the chairman said.
The union, however, used the occasion to draw attention to lingering welfare concerns affecting staff, particularly the non-payment of the January 2022 salary and outstanding repatriation allowances.
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According to Oko, the unpaid salary remains an earned entitlement and not a privilege, stressing that Halid, among others, is directly affected by the delay.
He further highlighted that repatriation allowances due to staff who were transferred across locations, including movements between Zaria and Kano, are yet to be settled, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The union called on the management of the institution to prioritise the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements, including salaries and allowances owed to staff, noting that government obligations must be treated as continuous responsibilities.
Oko stressed that staff welfare should remain central to institutional stability, warning that delays in payments could erode trust and affect morale within the workforce.
He also urged union members to remain committed to their professional responsibilities, emphasizing that accountability must be matched with diligence and integrity in service delivery.
In a citation presented at the event, Halid’s career was described as one marked by diligence, professionalism, and decades of contribution to Nigeria’s textile and polymer technology sectors.
Born in Baro, Niger State, Halid began his education at Baro Primary School before attending Government College, Bida. He later obtained both his Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Textile Technology from Kaduna Polytechnic.
His professional journey saw him work with several textile firms in Kano, including Universal Spinners and Universal Textiles, before joining the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria, in 2007 as a Higher Laboratory Technologist.
Through dedication and hard work, he rose to the position of Chief Technologist in the Department of Polymer Technology, where he became known for mentoring younger colleagues and contributing to the advancement of technical education.
The union described him as a stabilising figure within the institution, whose industry experience helped bridge the gap between academic training and practical application.
As he retires from active service, ASUP commended his legacy of integrity, service, and commitment, assuring that efforts would continue to ensure that all outstanding entitlements owed to him and other staff are addressed.
The congress concluded with encomiums for the retiring technologist, as colleagues and union members celebrated his contributions and wished him a fulfilling retirement, while reiterating the need for improved welfare and institutional accountability.