By John Umeh
Nigeria’s education sector is on the brink of another nationwide shutdown as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and major unions in the sector have handed the Federal Government a four-week deadline to resolve outstanding disputes or face sweeping industrial action.
The ultimatum, issued after a joint meeting of the NLC and its education affiliates in Abuja, signals a growing frustration among unions over what they describe as years of neglect, failed promises, and policy inconsistencies.
Labour Threatens Nationwide Action
At the centre of the tension is the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to implement long-standing agreements with academic and non-academic unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, who addressed journalists after the meeting, said the congress had resolved to act in unison with all education-based unions, describing the government’s attitude as “provocative and unacceptable.”
“Government cannot continue to ignore the education sector and expect stability,” Ajaero said. “We are giving them four weeks to conclude all discussions and show genuine commitment. If nothing changes, the entire labour movement will take action.”
According to him, the unions will no longer attend meetings with government officials who lack the authority to make binding commitments — a practice he said has led to “endless negotiations without results.”
The unions involved include ASUU, SSANU, NASU, ASUP, SSANIP, ASURI, NAAT, and COESU, among others.
“No Pay, No Work” Policy to Match FG’s Stance
The labour leader also announced that the unions have agreed to adopt a “no pay, no work” approach in response to the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy.
“It is clear that 90 percent of strikes in this country happen because government refuses to keep its own agreements,” Ajaero said. “If they won’t pay workers, then workers will not work. You cannot punish people for your own failures.”
He accused the government of deliberately provoking strikes to avoid addressing systemic issues in funding, wages, and infrastructure within universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
ASUU Urges Nigerians to Resist New Tax Bills
In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigerians to reject the 2024 Tax Bills, describing them as exploitative and ill-timed.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said the proposed laws would worsen economic hardship for workers and the middle class while doing little to improve public services.
“Rather than overtaxing struggling Nigerians, the government should focus on reducing waste, tackling corruption, and investing in education and health,” Osodeke said. “We reject any fiscal policy that transfers the burden of mismanagement onto ordinary citizens.”
He added that ASUU’s struggle goes beyond salary disputes — it is about the future of public education and the need for policies that protect national development, not undermine it.
Education at a Crossroads
Observers say the four-week ultimatum places fresh pressure on the government to act quickly. Years of unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and poor funding have left Nigeria’s tertiary institutions in crisis, while students continue to bear the brunt of repeated disruptions.
Analysts warn that another strike could cripple the education system once again, derailing academic calendars and worsening youth unemployment.
“The government must act with urgency and sincerity,” said a university administrator who asked not to be named. “Every new strike deepens the loss of trust between policymakers and the people.”
What Happens Next
With the NLC, ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and other unions now aligned, the Federal Government faces a major test of its commitment to education reform.
If negotiations stall beyond the four-week deadline, the NLC has vowed to mobilize all sectors — from health to power — in a solidarity strike that could shut down national operations.
“The message is simple,” Ajaero warned. “Fix the education sector now or be ready for the consequences. The future of our children cannot wait.”
