The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that its leadership organs will convene to determine the next course of action following the expiration of its one-month ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over the unresolved crises in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The disclosure was made by Benson Upah, the acting Secretary-General of the NLC, during a conversation with Punch. Upah emphasized that with the deadline ending on Friday, the Congress is now reviewing developments and preparing to take a consolidated decision on behalf of workers and unions across the nation’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The NLC had, a month earlier, presented a clear ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate and sustainable solutions to the longstanding issues affecting tertiary institutions including stalled negotiations, unmet agreements, and continued disruptions to academic activities. With the ultimatum now fully elapsed, anxiety has grown among students, parents, and stakeholders who fear another round of industrial actions may be imminent.
Upah reassured the public that the NLC remains firmly committed to ensuring stability within Nigeria’s higher education system. He noted that the Congress is standing solidly behind the academic unions and is determined to protect their legitimate demands.
He stated:
“In keeping with our pledge and in pursuance of our unflagging commitment to the noble causes of the unions in tertiary institutions, appropriate organs of the Congress will meet and decide on the next line of action. You will be duly informed.”
As the nation awaits the outcome of the NLC’s internal consultations, attention now turns to whether the Federal Government will take urgent steps to avert a renewed wave of strikes that could plunge the academic calendar into deeper uncertainty.
