NLC to Decide Next Moves as ASUU Deadline Ends
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will meet to determine the next steps after the one-month ultimatum it gave the Federal Government over the tertiary education crisis in public institutions expires today.
Acting NLC Secretary-General, Benson Upah, told reporters in Abuja that the Congress remains committed to keeping universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education running smoothly, even as challenges in the sector persist.
The ultimatum was issued after the NLC held talks with unions representing staff in tertiary institutions, giving the government four weeks to resolve issues affecting not just the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), but the sector as a whole.
NLC President Joe Ajaero added that the period of endless agreements and threats to unions must end, stressing that urgent solutions are needed.
“We are focused on protecting the interests of workers in tertiary institutions while ensuring industrial peace,” Upah said.
Students are also calling for action. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged the government to take immediate and lasting steps to prevent a strike. NANS Assistant Secretary-General Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel emphasized that maintaining uninterrupted academic calendars is critical for student welfare and the nation’s development.
“Since the start of President Tinubu’s administration, students have enjoyed a stable academic calendar—a rare achievement in recent decades. This progress must continue,” he said.
ASUU had suspended a two-week warning strike on October 22, allowing the government one month to address its demands, which include reviewing the 2009 ASUU agreement, paying outstanding salaries and allowances, and releasing the university revitalization fund. The union warned it could resume industrial action immediately if the government fails to meet its demands.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Tunji Alausa assured that the government has been addressing ASUU’s concerns and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to avoid any strike, highlighting that negotiations are ongoing to keep students in school.
