The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is scheduled to hold a pivotal meeting to assess its forthcoming actions as the ultimatum issued to the Federal Government concerning the ongoing industrial action in public tertiary institutions approaches its conclusion. This ultimatum was established as a one-month deadline aimed at resolving significant issues affecting universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

Benson Upah, acting Secretary-General of the NLC, confirmed this development in an interview conducted in Abuja. He reiterated the organization’s intention to uphold industrial harmony within the educational sector, stating, “In keeping with our pledge and in pursuance of our unflagging commitment to the noble causes of the unions in tertiary institutions, appropriate organs of the Congress will meet and decide on the next line of action. You’d be duly informed.”

The NLC's decision to issue a one-month ultimatum followed a meeting with various unions that represent tertiary institutions. The NLC resolved to provide the Federal Government with a clear timeframe to address the ongoing crisis affecting the educational sector. NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting, “The era of signing agreements, negotiations, and threatening the unions involved has come to an end.”

As the deadline approaches, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concerns, urging the Federal Government to implement immediate and effective actions to avert a potential strike that could disrupt academic activities. Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel, Assistant Secretary-General of NANS, requested “urgent, decisive, and lasting action” to resolve issues related to the warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Olatunji-Emmanuel emphasized the significance of maintaining the stability of the academic calendar, which has experienced unprecedented continuity since the commencement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He underscored the necessity of preserving this progress for academic continuity and broader national development, impacting millions of students who depend on a stable educational system.

In a related context, ASUU had previously suspended a two-week warning strike on October 22, granting the Federal Government a one-month period to meet its demands. This period has now lapsed, raising apprehensions regarding the potential for renewed industrial action. Key demands from ASUU include a review of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the allocation of the university revitalization fund.

The union has indicated that it will resume industrial action without prior notice if there is no significant progress within the stipulated time-frame. In response, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa has asserted that the government has made strides in addressing the union's demands. He reiterated the President’s directive to prevent strikes in public universities, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and the government's commitment to ensuring students remain in school.

As developments unfold, attention will focus on the NLC's forthcoming meeting and the subsequent decisions. The outcomes of this meeting are likely to have substantial implications for the future of education in Nigeria and for the millions of students reliant on a stable academic environment.