NLC Gives FG Four Weeks To End Tertiary Education Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve all lingering issues affecting tertiary institutions across the country.

NLC President Joe Ajaero made the announcement on Monday in Abuja after an emergency meeting with unions representing universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He said the decision came after years of unfulfilled agreements and poor funding that have kept the education sector unstable and prone to repeated strikes. Ajaero warned that if the government fails to meet the deadline, the NLC would mobilize workers nationwide for mass action.

According to him, the congress has resolved to work closely with education unions to find lasting solutions to the problems affecting the sector. He said a framework has been established to push for the implementation of past agreements and to ensure sustainable funding for tertiary education.

Ajaero called for the review of wage structures and allowances for both academic and non-academic staff to reflect the current economic situation, insisting that quality education cannot thrive under outdated pay systems.

He also faulted the government’s negotiation approach, saying officials often attend meetings without the authority to make binding decisions, a practice that has worsened the crises in the sector.

The NLC president reaffirmed the congress’s commitment to defending workers’ rights, warning that the era of signing and breaking agreements was over. He said the union would not sit idly by while the education system continues to deteriorate.

Ajaero concluded that if the government fails to act within the four-week window, the NLC would take nationwide action involving all unions to demand justice for the education sector.