The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will meet today to decide its next steps after the ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government over the lingering crisis in the country’s tertiary institutions expired on Friday. The statement was made by Benson Upah, the acting Secretary-General of the NLC, who noted that labour remains committed to helping restore stability to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The ultimatum, issued one month ago, was meant to pressure the government to address long-standing issues raised by unions in the education sector, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU). These issues include funding shortages, unpaid allowances, infrastructure decay, and disputes over salary payment systems.
For more than a decade, Nigeria’s tertiary education sector has been affected by repeated strikes, with students often spending more time at home than in school. ASUU alone has embarked on several industrial actions, including an eight-month strike in 2020 and another nationwide strike in 2022, both of which severely disrupted academic calendars.
Labour unions say the government’s failure to honour agreements dating back to 2009 is partly responsible for the repeated clashes. ASUU has consistently demanded better funding for public universities, revitalisation of hostels and laboratories, and improved staff welfare. Polytechnic and college of education staff have made similar complaints.
The NLC stepped in last month after it became clear that the Federal Government had not met many of the conditions that education unions consider essential for stable academic operations.
In his statement, Upah said the NLC will not abandon the unions or students affected by the crisis. He described the situation as one that demands urgent attention from all stakeholders.
“In keeping with our pledge and in pursuance of our unflagging commitment to the noble causes of the unions in tertiary institutions, appropriate organs of the Congress will meet and decide on the next line of action,” Upah said.
He added that the NLC’s position has always been in favour of industrial harmony but stressed that such peace is only possible when the government treats the demands of education workers with seriousness.
With the expiration of the ultimatum, analysts say tensions between labour and the Federal Government may increase, especially if the NLC decides to support a broader strike across the education sector or mobilise nationwide protests.
The Federal Government has in recent months faced pressure from several labour groups, especially after the removal of fuel subsidies, rising inflation, and complaints over delayed wages in some sectors. The situation in tertiary institutions has added to the growing list of unresolved disputes.
While government officials have said they are working on “comprehensive reforms” in the education sector, labour unions accuse them of paying lip service to issues that directly affect millions of Nigerian students.
The possibility of another major shutdown in universities and polytechnics has left many students and parents worried. Several institutions only recently stabilised their calendars after years of disruptions. A fresh strike, observers say, could worsen dropout rates and prolong graduation periods.
The NLC meeting expected today will determine whether the country faces another round of industrial action or whether government will be given more time to meet the demands of education unions. Upah did not disclose the likely outcome of the meeting but emphasised that the NLC is guided by the need to protect education workers, students and the integrity of Nigeria’s academic system.
