Academic activities have been grounded across Nasarawa State-owned tertiary institutions as joint unions declared an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage.
The Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions announced the action on Monday in Lafia, citing the state government’s failure to honour agreements reached on the full implementation of the new salary structure.
Speaking with journalists after a meeting of union leaders, the chairman of JUNSTI, Samson Kale Gbande, said the decision followed prolonged delays despite repeated negotiations with the government.
Gbande said the union had no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike because assurances given by the government had not been fulfilled.
“The Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions have resolved to commence an indefinite strike due to the inability of the government to comply with the mutually agreed full implementation of the new national minimum wage,” he said.
The institutions affected include Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga.
Gbande recalled that several meetings were held with the state government, including sessions at the office of the Deputy Governor on August 6, October 23, December 3 and December 15, 2025.
“During these engagements, repeated assurances were given that the implementation of the new national minimum wage would take effect from November 2025,” he said.
“Regrettably, despite the union’s patience for over a year, these assurances have not translated into action.”
He added that the union was disappointed that the agreed salary structure, expected to commence in November, had not been implemented, stressing that members remained firm and resolute in their demand.
Gbande confirmed that the strike earlier announced by the union on the eve of Christmas was reaffirmed at the meeting, urging members to remain calm and united.
“No stone will be left unturned until the legitimate demands of our members are met,” he said.
The JUNSTI chairman warned that continued delay in implementing the agreed wage structure could further affect staff morale, productivity and stability within the education sector.
He also praised union members for their cooperation and patience throughout the struggle, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nasarawa State Government had yet to officially respond to the strike action.
