UMYU unions declare two-week warning strike over unfulfilled agreements with Katsina State Government.
The four in-house unions of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) in Katsina have commenced a two-week warning strike effective from November 3, citing the state government’s failure to address long-standing issues affecting staff welfare and university autonomy.
The action was announced in a joint statement signed by Dr. Murtala Abdullahi, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UMYU chapter, on behalf of the four unions. Other unions involved include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
According to Abdullahi, the unions had earlier submitted their grievances to both the University Governing Council and the Katsina State Government, outlining critical issues such as staff welfare, the integrity of examination records, and the preservation of the university’s autonomy.
“We reached an understanding with the government through its representatives, and commitments were made to resolve our members’ concerns. Unfortunately, none of these agreements have been implemented,” Abdullahi stated.
He lamented that despite the unions’ patience since 2020 and a three-week grace period given to the government to act, no meaningful progress had been recorded.
“This continued disregard on the part of the state government demonstrates a lack of seriousness and responsibility in addressing the plight of our members,” he added.
Following extensive consultations, the unions resolved to embark on the warning strike to press home their demands and urge the state government to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the issues.
“Our decision was not made hastily. It is a last resort after exhausting all avenues of dialogue and understanding. We appeal for understanding from students, parents, and the public, as this struggle is in the collective interest of quality education and the future of our children,” Abdullahi said.
The unions warned that if the state government fails to make tangible progress by the end of the two-week strike, they would reconvene to decide on further actions.
Nigeria’s university system continues to grapple with frequent industrial actions driven by underfunding, unpaid salaries, and unfulfilled government agreements, issues that have repeatedly disrupted academic calendars and undermined higher education stability nationwide.
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