NLC Sets Four-Week Deadline for FG To Address Education Sector Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions in the education sector have given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to resolve all outstanding issues affecting the sector, warning that failure to act will result in a nationwide industrial action.

The NLC and the unions also announced a “no pay, no work” policy in response to the government’s “no work, no pay” stance following the ongoing two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The unions involved include ASUU, the 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 College of Education Staff Union (COESU), among others.

Speaking after a joint meeting in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the unions had agreed to act collectively to end the government’s persistent disregard for agreements and neglect of the education sector.

“The NLC, after extensive discussions with unions in the tertiary education sector, has resolved to work together to find lasting solutions to the challenges that have plagued the sector for years,” Ajaero stated.

He explained that the unions would create a framework for implementing existing agreements, ensuring sustainable funding for education in line with UNESCO’s 25–26% budgetary recommendation, and reviewing wage structures and allowances for academic and non-academic staff.

Ajaero also criticized government officials who attend negotiation meetings without the authority to make binding commitments. “No union will again attend meetings with representatives who lack the mandate to reach agreements. We won’t continue to negotiate only for the government to renege afterward,” he said.

He announced that a coordinated team would soon begin a national campaign focused on education reform and accountability. “We have given the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. Talks may have started with ASUU, but the problems go beyond one union. If, after four weeks, no progress is made, the NLC will convene to decide on a nationwide action involving all workers and unions,” he warned.

Rejecting the government’s “no work, no pay” policy, Ajaero declared, “From now on, it will be no pay, no work. You can’t instigate an action and then benefit from it. Most strikes in this country are caused by the government’s failure to honor agreements. Those who create the problem should face the consequences.”

With this firm stance, the NLC and its education affiliates appear ready for a major confrontation with the Federal Government if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the ongoing crisis in the nation’s education sector.