The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions in the education sector have issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve all lingering crises affecting tertiary institutions, warning that failure to do so will lead to a nationwide industrial action.
The decision followed a joint meeting in Abuja involving key education unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), and the Colleges of Education Staff Union (COESU).
United Front for Education Reform
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the unions had resolved to act collectively in pursuit of a permanent solution to the government’s persistent breach of agreements and chronic underfunding of the education sector.
> “The NLC, after extensive deliberation, has resolved to work with all tertiary education unions to find a lasting solution to the issues they have faced for years,” Ajaero said.
He stressed that the unions would no longer engage in negotiations with government representatives lacking the authority to make binding commitments, condemning the repeated pattern of “agreements without implementation.”
Push for Sustainable Funding
The unions are demanding sustainable funding for education in line with the UNESCO-recommended 25–26% budgetary allocation, a review of wage structures and allowances, and renewed commitment to infrastructure and welfare improvements across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Ajaero also announced the formation of a coordinated campaign for education reform and accountability, aimed at mobilising public awareness on the systemic neglect of Nigeria’s education system.
“No Pay, No Work” Response
Rejecting the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy, the NLC President declared a corresponding “no pay, no work” stance, arguing that most strikes result from government failures to honour agreements.
> “You can’t refuse to implement agreements and then punish workers for reacting. Those who cause the problem should bear the consequences,” Ajaero said.
Countdown to a Possible Nationwide Strike
The NLC warned that if ongoing negotiations are not concluded within four weeks, it would mobilise all unions under its umbrella for a nationwide industrial action to force the government’s hand on education sector reforms.
The ultimatum signals a potential escalation of the standoff between the labour movement and the Federal Government, coming amid ongoing industrial actions and stalled dialogues across tertiary institutions.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.