- He disclosed that the union had issued a 21-day ultimatum on November 19, demanding that the government implement the new national minimum wage act in line with their salary structure
Lecturers in Bauchi State-owned tertiary institutions have declared a two-week warning strike.
The striking lecturers are those in the State-owned polytechnics, colleges, and monotechnics, under the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of academic and non-academic staff.
The aggrieved lecturers said they are embarking on the industry action over the state government failure to meet their demands regarding the new minimum wage.
JAC Chairman Abubakar Ahmed announced the union’s decision to down tool during a press briefing in Bauchi on Thursday.
According to him, the government had shown no commitment to addressing their demands.
He disclosed that the union had issued a 21-day ultimatum on November 19, demanding that the government implement the new national minimum wage act in line with their salary structure.
“JAC acknowledges the meagre salaries paid to our members across the institutions for November 2024. However, this falls short of our expectations. We demand full implementation of the new salary structure for higher institutions as approved by the National Salaries and Wages Commission,” Abubakar said.
He further lamented that the government had failed to begin any negotiations with the union during the 21-day ultimatum period.
Due to the refusal of the government to meet the union’s demands, lecturers in institutions such as Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic; Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere; Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare; A.D. Rufai College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau; Bauchi State College of Agriculture; and Bill and Melinda Gates College of Health Technology, Ningi, have been directed to fully comply with the strike action.
Abubakar also called on students and parents to understand the lecturers’ grievances, adding that the action is in the best interest of the public.
In another development, the Bauchi State Government has set up a high-level panel to address the pressing concerns at Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau.
The panel, comprising eminent professionals and education experts, will undertake a comprehensive review of the university to identify challenges and provide actionable recommendations.
Chaired by Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, the panel was tasked with investigating the causes of the ongoing strike at the institution, reviewing financial operations, examining academic programs, evaluating infrastructure, and assessing governance structures, among other things.
The panel has eight weeks to complete its assignment and submit a detailed report to the government.
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