Tertiary institution workers in Gombe State have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government over unpaid salary adjustments, promotions and other welfare entitlements, warning that failure to address their demands could lead to an indefinite strike.
The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) issued the ultimatum in a communiqué after a meeting on Friday, August 14, saying the action followed years of unmet promises to staff across public colleges and polytechnics in the state.
“JOUGTIN hereby issues a fourteen (14) day ultimatum to the Gombe State Government, effective from the date of this communiqué, to take concrete, verifiable, and meaningful steps towards resolving the outstanding welfare issues enumerated above,” the unions stated.
JOUGTIN stressed that the ultimatum was intended to push for urgent action and not to damage its relationship with the government.
“JOUGTIN remains committed to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement. The issuance of this ultimatum is therefore not intended to undermine the cordial relationship between the Union and the Government, but to draw attention to the urgent need for decisive action on matters that have remained outstanding for an extended period,” the communiqué stated.
However, the unions said failure by the government to take satisfactory and concrete steps within the 14-day period would leave them with no option but to commence further industrial action.
“However, should the Government fail to take satisfactory and concrete steps within the fourteen (14) days stipulated above, the Union shall be compelled to take further legitimate industrial action, including the commencement of an indefinite strike, without further notice,” they said.
JOUGTIN comprises five unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
The unions are demanding the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, consequential adjustments, and approved CATA and CONTTISS allowances.
They expressed hope that the government would act within the 14-day window to avert disruption to academic activities.
