Workers at state-owned tertiary institutions in Katsina have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government, threatening to commence an indefinite strike if their demands are not addressed. The notice, which took effect on 29 December 2025, was declared by the Joint Consultative Forum (JCF) of staff unions following a series of meetings and congresses.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Katsina, the JCF Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nasir-Gidado, cited the state government’s failure to implement approved salary increments and delays in migrating staff to the correct salary scale as the primary grievances. This includes the non-payment of a 35% salary increase for workers on higher grades and a 25% increase for those on lower grades, as well as the delayed placement of some staff under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS-15).
Mr. Nasir-Gidado emphasised that the delay persists despite an earlier approval by Governor Dikko Radda for the staff of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, which was to be effective from September 2025. “The delay in implementation has led to accrued arrears. Similarly, other tertiary institutions have made submissions and have been awaiting government approval,” he said.
The unions also expressed significant dissatisfaction with the administration of the state contributory healthcare scheme, which they described as “inadequate, unfair and exploitative.” Mr. Nasir-Gidado stated that workers have lodged serious complaints and are “seeking justice and fairness.” The JCF is awaiting the outcomes of a fact-finding study on the scheme before determining its next steps.
Regarding the contributory pension scheme, the chairman acknowledged the government’s efforts and an upcoming sensitisation programme. However, he raised a separate concern over a recent hike in registration fees, which he said has caused a noticeable drop in student enrolment across the state’s tertiary institutions. He lamented that “many students are quitting their studies half-way,” and urged the government to remember that education is an essential social service.
The JCF confirmed that all staff unions unanimously agreed to issue the ultimatum after extensive deliberations. Mr. Nasir-Gidado concluded that upon its expiration, the unions will reconvene to “review the status and assess the government’s response before deciding the next line of action.”
