The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude all ongoing negotiations with unions in the tertiary education sector.
NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, made this known on Monday in Abuja during an emergency press conference after a meeting with unions representing universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Ajaero said the deadline followed years of unmet agreements and chronic underfunding of the education sector, which have fuelled recurring strikes and instability in institutions of higher learning.
“We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all ongoing negotiations in the sector,” Ajaero said.
Nationwide Strike Imminent if Demands Are Not Met
The NLC warned that failure to meet the deadline would force the congress to mobilise workers nationwide for industrial action.
“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 added.
Demands for Better Funding and Workers’ Welfare
Ajaero said the NLC is working closely with education unions to find lasting solutions to the sector’s challenges and has established a framework to ensure implementation of outstanding agreements.
He called for improved funding of education, urging the Federal Government to meet the global benchmark of allocating at least 25 per cent of the national budget to the sector.
“We are committed to ensuring that education in Nigeria receives adequate attention and sustainable funding.
We call for the review of wage structures and allowances for academic and non-academic staff to reflect current economic realities,” he said.
Criticism of Government’s Negotiation Style
The NLC president criticised the government for sending negotiators to meetings without the authority to make binding commitments.
“It is unacceptable for officials to attend talks without the authority to make binding commitments. This practice has contributed to recurring crises in the sector,” he noted.
Commitment to Defending Workers’ Rights
Ajaero reiterated the union’s resolve to defend the rights of workers in the education sector, saying the era of signing agreements without implementation was over.
“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 said.
