The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve the long-standing crisis involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution-based unions.
The decision was reached after the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday. The labour body expressed deep frustration over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meaningfully engage with the unions and fulfil previous agreements aimed at addressing funding, salary arrears, and other welfare issues plaguing the education sector.
“We cannot continue to watch the future of our students and the nation’s education system being destroyed due to government inaction,” the NLC stated.
The Congress warned that if the Federal Government fails to conclude negotiations and meet the demands of ASUU and other affected unions within the next four weeks, it will mobilize workers across the country for nationwide solidarity action.
This development comes amid growing tensions on campuses nationwide, with academic activities in many public universities stalled due to ongoing industrial actions. ASUU and other unions—including SSANU and NASU—have repeatedly accused the government of reneging on collective bargaining agreements, especially regarding salary structures, revitalization funds, and the contentious IPPIS payment system.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the Congress will not sit idle while public education deteriorates further.
“We are giving the Federal Government a clear four-week window. If there’s no tangible resolution, we will be left with no choice but to act decisively,” Ajaero said.
Students, parents, and education stakeholders have expressed support for the NLC’s position, urging the government to treat the matter with urgency to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.
The Federal Government is yet to respond officially to the ultimatum as of press time.
