By Our Reporter
Academic and non-academic staff of higher education institutions in Nasarawa State, under the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI), are set to commence an indefinite strike starting on Monday.
The strike action follows the union’s decision to protest the non-implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage consequential adjustment, delayed promotions, and the non-payment of the N70,500 minimum wage.
The affected institutions include Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic Lafia, College of Agriculture, Science & Technology, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga.
A statement issued by the Chairman of JUNSTI, Comrade Samson Kale Gbande, and the Secretary, Comrade Paul Olotu, expressed the unions’ disappointment over being denied the promised increments, which prompted the decision to go on strike.
“Following an emergency meeting of the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI) held on 4th February 2025, it was resolved that a two-week warning strike will begin at midnight on Sunday, 9th February and run until Thursday, 27th February 2025,” the statement read.
The unions cited the state government’s failure to address their demands, as outlined in a letter of ultimatum sent on 15th January 2025, as the primary reason for the strike.
The joint unions involved in the action include ASUP, ASUCOAST, COAESU, SSANIP, SSUCOEN, and NASU. In an interview, the union leader stated, “We have approached the Nasarawa State Government repeatedly regarding our entitlements, but to no avail. Therefore, strike is the only option left to us.”