From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to conclude all ongoing negotiations in the tertiary education sector or face a nationwide industrial action.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja after a meeting with representatives of unions from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Ajaero said the ultimatum became necessary following the Federal Government’s failure to honour previous agreements and the persistent underfunding of the education sector, which he said had fueled years of instability and recurring strikes in tertiary institutions.
“We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all ongoing negotiations in the sector,” Ajaero said. “After four weeks, if no meaningful progress is made, the organs of the NLC will meet and take a nationwide action that will involve all workers and all unions in the country.”
He accused government officials of attending negotiation meetings without proper mandates to take binding decisions, describing the practice as a major factor behind the recurring crises in the education sector.
“It is unacceptable for government representatives to show up at talks without the authority to make meaningful commitments,” he said.
The NLC president also said the congress had resolved to work closely with education unions to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
He explained that the labour body had established a framework for engagement aimed at implementing outstanding agreements and ensuring sustainable funding for tertiary education.
“We are committed to ensuring that education in Nigeria receives adequate attention and sustainable funding in line with the minimum benchmark of 25 per cent budgetary allocation,” Ajaero stated.
He further called for the review of wage structures and allowances for academic and non-academic staff to reflect current economic realities.
“The welfare of workers in our tertiary institutions is critical to achieving quality education. We cannot continue to operate with outdated wage structures while expecting world-class results,” he added.
Ajaero also assured that the NLC would continue to defend the rights of workers and protect the integrity of the nation’s education system.
“We will not fold our arms while our education system suffers. If the government fails to act, we will mobilise all unions to demand justice and fairness,” he warned.
The ultimatum comes amid ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and various academic unions over issues including funding, wages, and implementation of past agreements — a development that has long threatened industrial peace in the country’s tertiary institutions.
