By Hassan Ibrahim
Academic and non-academic staff unions across Kaduna State tertiary institutions have declared an indefinite strike over the government’s alleged failure to implement a signed agreement on salary structure and retirement age.
The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions in Kaduna State (JUTIKS), which comprises the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), announced the strike after accusing the state government of reneging on its commitments.
Speaking to journalists, Comrade Usman Shehu Sulaiman Chairman of ASUP, Kaduna chapter, also recalled that despite a previous interaction with Governor Uba Sani in December 2023—where assurances were given—implementation has remained elusive.
“We do not wish to cheat ourselves or the students. With such poor pay, we cannot perform our duties effectively. That is why we have embarked on this strike, pending the Governor’s return from an official trip abroad,” he added.
Comrade Mahmoud Ali Kwarbai, Assistant Secretary of JUTIKS and Chairman of NASU at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, said the unions had no choice but to shut down schools after the government failed to fulfill its promises.
“Agreement is agreement. We signed with the government on the 18th of August, with the understanding that within four weeks our demands would be met. Unfortunately, after reminders and follow-ups, nothing was implemented. The least we could do is to withdraw our services until the agreement is honored,” Kwarbai explained.
According to the union, entry-level staff currently earn as little as ₦63,800 monthly, which they describe as unsustainable amid rising costs of living.
The unions insisted that schools will remain closed until the government fulfills its part of the agreement.
The demands include the implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), the adjustment of retirement age to 65 years for non-academic staff, and general improvements in staff welfare.
0 Comments