Academic and non-academic workers in Nasarawa State tertiary institutions on Monday began an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.
The Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI) announced the action after a meeting of union leaders held in Lafia, the state capital.
Union blames government for strike
Speaking to journalists, JUNSTI Chairman, Samson Kale Gbande, said the strike became unavoidable due to the government’s failure to honour previous agreements.
He explained that the state government repeatedly promised to implement the new salary structure from November 2025. However, he said those promises remained unfulfilled.
Several negotiations failed
Gbande said the unions met with government officials on August 6, October 23, December 3, and December 15, 2025. Most of the meetings took place at the office of the Deputy Governor.
Despite these engagements, the government did not act. As a result, the unions resolved to begin an indefinite strike.
Earlier strike notice upheld
The JUNSTI chairman said the union had earlier announced the strike on the eve of Christmas. He added that the latest meeting reaffirmed that decision.
He urged members to remain calm, united, and disciplined throughout the action. According to him, the union will sustain the strike until the government meets its demands.
Concerns over education sector
Gbande warned that delays in implementing the wage agreement continue to affect staff morale and productivity. He said the situation also threatens stability within the education sector.
Meanwhile, the union praised members for their cooperation and resilience. Gbande assured them that their efforts would yield results.
