By Tom Garba, Yola
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions of Adamawa State-owned tertiary institutions has declared an impending strike, effective from March 10, 2025, unless the state government addresses a series of unresolved demands. The announcement, made in a communiqué released on February 27, 2025, at the ASUP Secretariat, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, follows the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the government.
The JAC, chaired by Comrade Maryam Abdullahi, PhD, and co-led by Secretary Comrade Musa Yakubu, represents staff from institutions such as Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola; Adamawa State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Michika; College of Education, Hong; College of Nursing Sciences, Yola; and College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ganye. The committee met on February 27 to demand urgent action on critical issues affecting tertiary institution employees.
Key demands include the full implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (CONTISS) and the new minimum wage of 2024, as outlined by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission. The unions are also pressing for the reversal of over-deductions in ASHA and PAYE, the implementation of financial benefits on promotions, and funding for state-owned tertiary institutions.
Additional requests include the appointment of principal officers and the adoption of a revised salary table to replace the current one, which the congress deems inadequate.
The JAC expressed frustration over the state government’s lack of engagement, noting that no committee has been formed for negotiations despite repeated appeals. As a result, the unions have resolved to commence a seven-working-day warning strike beginning March 3, 2025. If their demands remain unmet by March 10, an indefinite strike will follow, potentially disrupting academic activities across the state.
In the communiqué, the JAC called on its members to ensure total compliance with the directive and expressed sympathy to students, parents, and the general public for any inconvenience caused by the industrial action. The committee concluded with the rallying cry, “Aluta Continua, Victoria Assert!” signaling their determination to continue the struggle until their demands are met.
The strike threatens to exacerbate existing challenges in Adamawa State’s education sector, where funding and staff welfare have long been points of contention.
Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Capital Development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the state government, have been urged to act swiftly to avert the crisis. As of the latest reports, no official response has been issued by the Adamawa State government.