Workers across Katsina State–owned tertiary institutions have issued a two-week strike notice to the government. Consequently, tensions are rising over salaries, welfare, and access to education in the state.
The ultimatum took effect on December 29. It was announced by the Joint Consultative Forum (JCF). The JCF represents staff unions in state-owned colleges and polytechnics. In a statement on Wednesday, the forum said patience had worn thin. According to the unions, the government has failed to act for months.
Salary Adjustments Stall Despite Assurances
Speaking for the forum, Chairman Muhammad Nasir-Gidado said workers felt ignored. He cited delayed salary adjustments as the core grievance. Nasir-Gidado also heads the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics. He is based at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.
According to him, workers are owed approved increments. These include a 35% increase for academics. They also include a 25% increase for non-academic staff.
“The increments were approved in principle,” he said. However, he added, they remain verbal promises. “Delay in implementation has led to accrued arrears,” he said.
Workers, he noted, expected new salaries by September.
Meanwhile, institutions have submitted required documents. Yet, they are still waiting for official government feedback.
Healthcare Scheme Draws Union Criticism
Beyond wages, welfare issues dominate union complaints. In particular, the state’s contributory healthcare scheme is under fire. The forum described the scheme as “inadequate, unfair and exploitative.”
According to Nasir-Gidado, members report several challenges. These include unprocessed benefits. They also include deductions without corresponding coverage.
Additionally, access to services remains limited. As a result, trust in the scheme has weakened among staff.
Rising Fees, Falling Enrollment
The unions also raised alarm over access to education. They linked recent fee increases to declining student enrollment. According to the statement, low-income students are worst affected. Administrators have recorded growing withdrawal cases.
Some undergraduates, they said, left mid-program. The reason was simple: tuition became unaffordable. “This deliberate effort has shrunk the enrolment of students,” Nasir-Gidado said.
He blamed rising costs across institutions. “Education is a social service rendered to citizens to improve their well-being,” he added. Therefore, he urged immediate government intervention.
Budget Commitments Contrast With Labor Unrest
Meanwhile, the dispute unfolds amid major budget promises. The Katsina State Government proposed N156.3 billion for education in 2026. The figure represents 17.14% of the total budget. It is the highest allocation among all sectors.
The disclosure came from Budget Commissioner Malik Anas. He spoke during a fiscal presentation in Katsina on Wednesday. According to Anas, funds will cover all education levels. This includes basic, secondary, and higher institutions.
Earlier, Governor Dikko Radda presented the full budget. The total estimate stands at N897.8 billion.
Furthermore, the government cites sustained sector investment. Governor Radda recently claimed N120 billion spent since 2022. That spending, he said, includes over 150 new schools. The projects aim to boost enrollment and infrastructure statewide.
What Happens Next
For now, unions are watching government response closely. They will monitor developments over the next two weeks. If talks fail, further action may follow. This could include a full shutdown of institutions.
Notably, Nigeria’s education sector remains fragile. In recent years, strikes have repeatedly disrupted academic calendars.