KEY POINTS
- NLC warns of possible industrial action in universities.
- Students urge urgent government action to maintain stability.
- Northern insecurity affects academic continuity in tertiary institutions.
The Nigeria Labour Congress said its organs will meet to decide the next line of action as its ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday.
Acting Secretary-General Benson Upah confirmed the development in an interview in Abuja, noting that the NLC remains committed to industrial harmony in public tertiary institutions. The union had given the government a one-month window to resolve lingering crises in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
President Joe Ajaero said the NLC issued the four-week ultimatum to extend beyond ASUU negotiations, stressing that the sector’s problems run deeper. “The era of signing agreements, negotiations and threatening the unions involved has come to an end,” he said after meeting with labour leaders.
With the deadline expired, Upah also said congress authorities will meet to decide the next steps and promised to inform the public promptly.
NLC prepares next steps as northern insecurity affects education
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students urged the government to take urgent, decisive, and lasting measures to avert a looming strike.
Assistant Secretary-General Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel stressed the need to protect uninterrupted academic calendars under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “Sustaining this momentum is essential not only for academic continuity but also for national development, productivity, and the well-being of millions of students,” highlighting the importance of keeping campuses fully functional.
Students and unions urge action to protect northern insecurity impacts
ASUU had also suspended its two-week warning strike on October 22, granting a one-month window for the government to meet its demands, which include reviewing the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, paying outstanding salaries, and releasing the university revitalisation fund.
The union warned it would resume industrial action without notice if no concrete steps were taken. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, insisted that the government has met the union’s demands and is pursuing ongoing negotiations to keep students in school.
In conclusion, as the deadline expires, all stakeholders stress constructive dialogue and swift resolution, aiming to prevent disruptions in tertiary institutions and preserve stability across the nation’s education system.
