In a major escalation of ongoing disputes, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has united with major education sector unions to issue a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government. They demand a resolution to the chronic issues plaguing the sector, warning that failure to comply will result in a nationwide strike.

The unions have also adopted a firm “no pay, no work” position in direct response to the government’s “no work, no pay” policy, which was enforced during the recent two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

This coalition forms a powerful front, including unions from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research institutions. After a joint meeting in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the unions are resolved to end the government’s pattern of reneging on agreements and neglecting education.

“We discovered that government officials often attend meetings without the authority to make decisions,” Ajaero said. “Henceforth, we will not negotiate with representatives who lack a mandate. You can’t negotiate, sign an agreement, and then renege—never again.”

The NLC President outlined that the unions have agreed on a framework for engagement focused on implementing existing agreements, securing sustainable education funding in line with UNESCO recommendations, and reviewing staff wages and allowances.

“We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations,” Ajaero declared. “If after four weeks this is not done, the NLC will meet and take a nationwide action involving all workers and all unions in the country to resolve this crisis.”

He forcefully rejected the government’s stance on strikes, arguing that the administration is typically at fault. “The so-called policy of no work, no pay should henceforth be no pay, no work,” Ajaero stated. “You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We found that 90% of strikes are caused by the government’s failure to obey agreements. You can’t beat a child and ask the child not to cry.”

With this unified declaration, Nigeria’s labour movement is poised for a major confrontation with the government unless immediate and concrete action is taken to address the deepening crisis in education.