The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join forces with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), if the federal government refused to reverse its decision to implement the “no work, no pay” policy, in response to the two weeks warning strike.
In a statement signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, the Union expressed concern over the persistent crisis in Nigeria’s public education system, marked by chronic underfunding and a failure to honour agreements.
“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by.
“The NLC will convene an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the tertiary education sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging the government.”
The Union blamed the federal government’s continued refusal to implement agreements voluntarily reached with lecturers and workers, which it said “is undermining public tertiary institutions.”
“The commencement of a two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements. This action is a necessary response to the neglect of a fundamental pillar of our society.”
The Union noted that rather than engaging in good faith to resolve the crisis, the government has resorted to the unproductive threat of “No Work, No Pay.” This misrepresents the situation.
“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars. The lecturers are willing to work, but the government, by reneging on its commitments, has made it impossible for them to do so with the dignity and conditions their profession deserves. The core principle remains: ‘No Pay, No Work.’
The NLC also noted that the struggle extends beyond an isolated industrial dispute, adding that “it reflects a broader societal issue. While the children of the elite attend private institutions or study abroad, the children of the working class and the poor are left in a public education system being systematically weakened.
“This creates an educational divide that limits social mobility and perpetuates inequality. An educated populace is essential for a progressive nation, and the current approach appears designed to reserve quality education as a commodity for the privileged few.
“In light of this, the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby declares its full solidarity with ASUU and all other unions in the tertiary education sector.
“The Union therefore, called on the Federal Government to immediately set aside its threats and address the core issues in the negotiated agreements with ASUU.
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone.
“We demand that the Federal Government use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for the full implementation of all agreements.
“The choice is clear: honour the agreements and salvage public education, or face the resolute and unified force of the entire Nigerian workforce.”
