By Nosakhare Ogbomo
In a landmark show of solidarity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday hosted leaders of major education unions in a high-level meeting aimed at fostering unity, addressing sector-wide challenges, and charting a collective path toward reform in Nigeria’s education system.
The session, which opened with a prayer led by Dr. Makolo Hassan, President of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), set a reflective tone for the day’s deliberations.
In his opening address, the NLC President emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among education unions, condemning the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy as unjust, divisive, and counterproductive.
Leaders from key unions—including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COASU)—expressed strong support for collective bargaining and mutual respect within the education community.
ASUU’s President lauded the NLC for its steadfast backing and called for renewed commitment to shared objectives such as increased funding and improved working conditions. COASU’s President warned against government attempts to exploit divisions within the sector, advocating for regular inter-union meetings to sustain unity and progress.
ASUP’s leadership raised concerns about the outsourcing of accreditation processes and the dangers of fragmented interests, urging for a unified front to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
In a strategic move, the NLC President directed each union to submit a written account of their key challenges for inclusion in future negotiations. The President of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) further proposed a joint press conference and a 14-day ultimatum to press for government action.
Key Resolutions:
Strengthen unity and collective bargaining among education unions
Demand improved funding and better working conditions
Institutionalize regular meetings for sustained collaboration
Align national education budgets with global standards
The meeting ended with a resounding call for continued solidarity and coordinated action to tackle the deep-rooted issues confronting Nigeria’s education sector.
By Comrade Nosakhare Ogbomo
