By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Academic activities in Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions were on Tuesday brought to a halt as workers under the umbrella of the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Gidanwaya chapter, embarked on an indefinite strike over the state government’s alleged failure to honour a salary agreement.
The unions said the action followed the government’s refusal to fully implement the CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, which they claimed had remained unchanged for more than 14 years, as well as its failure to enforce the 65-year retirement age for staff in line with national policy.
JUTIKS Chairman, Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, in a statement issued on Tuesday, recalled that the unions had given the state government several ultimatums dating back to October 2024, including warning strikes in June 2025. He said a formal agreement was signed on August 18, 2025, with a September implementation timeline, but the commitment was not fulfilled.
“Despite assurances and reminders, the government has failed to implement CONPCASS/CONTEDISS as reflected in the September salaries. Consequently, JUTIKS has no choice but to declare an indefinite strike, effective September 30,” Suleiman said.
In a related development, the COEASU Gidanwaya Chapter, in a separate communiqué signed by its Chairman, Dr. Christopher Nuhu Yerima, directed its members to fully comply with the strike.
Yerima accused the Kaduna State Government of showing preferential treatment to other categories of workers while neglecting staff of tertiary institutions.
“We deplore the government’s blunt refusal to honour agreements with unions. While some workers enjoy 100 per cent salary structures, our members have been stuck with an obsolete 80 per cent structure for over 15 years. This is unfair and unacceptable,” Yerima said.
He added that the government’s delay tactics had eroded the trust of academic staff in its promises.
“From all indications, it appears the government lacks the political will to resolve this matter. We can no longer be pacified with empty assurances. It is time for decisive action,” Yerima declared.
Both unions called on their members to remain united and ensure total compliance until their demands are met.
