NLC Gives FG Four Weeks to Resolve Education Crisis, Threatens Nationwide Strike
Abuja — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions in the education sector have given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to address all unresolved issues affecting the sector — or face a nationwide industrial action.
The labour groups also announced a “no pay, no work” stance in response to the government’s “no work, no pay” policy amid the ongoing two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The unions involved include ASUU, SSANU, NASU, NAAT, ASUP, SSANIP, ASURI, and COESU, among others.
Speaking after a joint meeting in Abuja on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the unions had agreed to unite in pushing back against what he described as the government’s continued neglect and repeated breaches of agreements with the education sector.
“After extensive deliberations with the unions in tertiary institutions, we have resolved to work together to find a lasting solution to the recurring problems in the education sector,” Ajaero said.
He explained that the unions would set up a joint framework to monitor the implementation of past agreements, push for sustainable funding of education in line with UNESCO’s 25–26% budgetary recommendation, and review the wage structure and allowances for academic and non-academic staff.
Ajaero also criticized government negotiators who attend meetings without the authority to make binding commitments, saying such practices must stop.
“From now on, no union will sit with government officials who lack the power to make decisions. You can’t negotiate, sign an agreement, and then go back to renege — never again,” he declared.
The NLC President added that a coordinated team will be formed to lead a national campaign for education reform and transparency, noting that the four-week deadline applies to all negotiations across the sector, not just ASUU.
“If after four weeks the government fails to conclude these talks, the NLC will convene and take nationwide action involving all workers and unions in the country,” he warned.
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Rejecting the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” approach, Ajaero said the unions would respond with a “no pay, no work” policy.
“You can’t benefit from an action you caused,” he said. “Most strikes in this country happen because the government fails to honour agreements. You can’t break promises and then punish workers — those who cause the problem should bear the consequences.”
With this latest ultimatum, the NLC and its affiliates appear ready for a major showdown with the Federal Government unless swift and genuine efforts are made to resolve the long-standing issues in Nigeria’s education sector.
