Kaduna Varsity Workers Pressure Government Over 2026 Agreement, Unpaid Benefits

A coalition of unions at the Kaduna State University (KASU), comprising the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has issued a strong call for the prompt execution of the 2026 agreement signed between the Federal Government and non-teaching staff across public universities. Furthermore, these unions have urged the Kaduna State Government to settle various outstanding entitlements, including earned allowances, promotion arrears, pension arrears, the agreed wage award, and the 25% and 35% salary increments due to university employees.

These demands were formally presented in a communiqué released on Tuesday, following a meeting held by the JAC at their secretariat within the Kaduna State University campus in Kaduna. The unions emphasized that upholding agreements reached with recognized university bodies is crucial for fostering industrial harmony and averting future conflicts within the higher education sector.

The JAC pressed both the state government and KASU’s administration to swiftly act on implementing the clauses of the 2026 agreement relevant to staff members of the institution. The communiqué, endorsed by key union officials including Sa’adiyya Mustapha (SSANU and JAC Chairperson), Nicholas Yakubu (SSANU Secretary), Nina Ochigbo (NASU Chairman), Dahiru Musa (NASU and JAC Secretary), Aliyu Garba (NAAT Chairman), and Bala Aboi (NAAT Secretary), detailed a range of other unresolved welfare matters.

Specifically, the unions reiterated their call for the payment of earned allowances, notably excess workload allowance, along with outstanding promotion arrears, provision of group life insurance for university personnel, pension arrears, the previously mentioned salary increments, and the unsettled wage award. The JAC’s statement concluded with a direct appeal: “The JAC therefore calls on the Kaduna State Government to urgently address these outstanding issues in the interest of industrial harmony and staff welfare.”

These recent demands emerge amidst increasing industrial unrest at Kaduna State University, where various university unions have consistently voiced worries regarding the execution of agreements and the general welfare of their members. This situation is further complicated by an existing industrial disagreement between another union within the university and the Kaduna State Government. This prior dispute has prompted apprehension among other unions about a potential escalation that could severely impact both academic and administrative operations at the university. In light of this, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT stated their objective is to avert any further worsening of industrial relations by encouraging both the government and the unions currently in dispute to resume negotiations and respect previously agreed terms.

The JAC underscored that a failure to address these lingering issues promptly could jeopardize industrial peace and negatively impact students, parents, and the university workforce.

Regarding KASU's financial standing, the unions strongly advised the state government to significantly boost its financial commitment to the institution. They contended that insufficient funding posed a threat to teaching quality, research endeavors, innovation, and ultimately, the university's accreditation. According to the JAC, robust funding is essential for developing and maintaining infrastructure, fostering research and technological advancements, enhancing staff welfare, fulfilling accreditation criteria, and providing vital teaching and learning resources. Additionally, the unions advocated for increased administrative, financial, and academic autonomy for the university, asserting that such independence would promote greater efficiency, transparency, accountability, and overall academic excellence.

The JAC voiced apprehension concerning the ongoing industrial disagreement involving a "sister union" at the university and the state government. They appealed to Governor Uba Sani, who serves as the Visitor to KASU, along with other key stakeholders, to facilitate an amicable and swift resolution to this conflict. The committee cautioned that an unresolved dispute could adversely affect students, parents, and staff, potentially leading to further industrial actions from other unions.

The communiqué explicitly stated: “In the interest of the students, parents, staff and overall development of education, and also to avoid escalation of industrial dispute to other unions, the JAC calls on the Kaduna State Governor and Visitor to the University, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, and all relevant stakeholders to make every effort to resolve the dispute amicably and expeditiously.”

The unions reiterated that a consistent approach to implementing agreements with university-based unions is vital for building trust and ensuring enduring industrial stability. While acknowledging positive responses from the Kaduna State Government in certain areas of their demands, they encouraged the government to maintain engagement and resolve all outstanding issues. Finally, the JAC appealed to its members to remain unified and calm, offering assurances that their leadership remains committed to championing their legitimate interests through ongoing dialogue with both the government and the university management.