The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the federal government a 4 week timeline to conclude ongoing negotiations within the tertiary education sector.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, announced the ultimatum on Monday during an emergency press conference in Abuja following an extensive meeting with unions representing universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The labour body said the decision stemmed from years of unmet agreements and chronic underfunding in the sector, which have led to recurring strikes and instability across tertiary institutions.
Ajaero warned that if the government fails to meet the deadline, the NLC would mobilise workers and unions nationwide for a coordinated industrial action.
He added that the congress had resolved to collaborate with education unions to push for lasting reforms and had created a framework to monitor the implementation of pending agreements and funding commitments.
He emphasised that the NLC remains committed to ensuring sustainable investment in education and improving the welfare of workers in the sector.
He said,
“We have decided to give the federal government four weeks to conclude all ongoing negotiations in the sector.”
“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.
“We are committed to ensuring that education in Nigeria receives adequate attention and sustainable funding in line with the minimum benchmark of 25 per cent budgetary allocation.
“We call for the review of wage structures and allowances for academic and non-academic staff to reflect current economic realities. The welfare of workers in our tertiary institutions is critical to achieving quality education. We can’t continue to operate with outdated wage structures while expecting world-class results.”
