The Nasarawa State Government has issued a passionate appeal to lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions who are currently on an indefinite strike, urging them to return to work and allow for further dialogue.
Government's Plea for Academic Resumption
In a bid to salvage the academic calendar, the state government, through the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Sheba, has called on the striking educators to reconsider their industrial action. The appeal was made during a bi-monthly press briefing held in Lafia on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Sheba expressed deep concern that the strike, which began as students were expected to resume for the new term, would negatively impact learners. "We are already in January, and schools are expected to resume academic activities, yet we are faced with this strike. This situation is capable of affecting our children," he stated.
He assured that suspending the strike would create the necessary environment for the government to return to the negotiation table. "I want to beg you to suspend the strike and allow room for further negotiations," Sheba pleaded, framing the call as being in the best interest of the state's education sector.
Root Cause: Unimplemented Minimum Wage Agreement
The industrial action was declared by the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI) on December 29, 2025. The core grievance is the state government's alleged failure to fully implement the New National Minimum Wage as previously agreed upon.
The strike was announced by JUNSTI Chairman, Samson Kale Gbande, following a meeting with union leaders from three major state institutions:
- Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia
- College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia
- College of Education, Akwanga
Gbande explained that the decision for an "infinite industrial action" was a direct response to the government's inability to honor agreements reached after several meetings.
A History of Delayed Promises
The union leader provided a detailed timeline of engagements with the state government, highlighting a pattern of unmet assurances. He noted that meetings were held at the office of the Deputy Governor on the following dates in 2025:
- August 6
- October 23
- December 3
- December 15
During these meetings, the union was reportedly given assurances that the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage would commence in November 2025. Gbande lamented that these promises have not been fulfilled, stating, "Regrettably, despite the union’s patience for over a year, these assurances have not translated into action."
He emphasized that the continuous delays in adjusting the salary structure were damaging worker morale, productivity, and overall stability within the state's tertiary education system.
The standoff now places the academic future of students in the balance, with the government's latest appeal seeking to break the deadlock and get learning back on track.
