The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Academics and Non-academic Staff Unions of Bauchi State-owned Tertiary Institutions initiated an indefinite strike on January 2, 2025, impacting six institutions across the state. This action followed a two-week warning strike from December 16-30, 2024, which failed to elicit a satisfactory response from the state government regarding the unions’ demands. The primary concerns revolve around the implementation of new salary structures – CONPCASS for academic staff and CONTEDISS for non-academic staff – and what the JAC perceives as the government’s insincerity and delaying tactics in addressing their concerns. The JAC also alleges intimidation tactics employed by government representatives against the union leadership and members. This strike underscores a broader issue of fair compensation and working conditions within the state’s tertiary education system.
The JAC’s decision reflects growing frustration with the perceived lack of commitment from the Bauchi State government to prioritize the welfare of its tertiary institution employees. The unions argue that the failure to implement the new salary structures, CONPCASS and CONTEDISS, demonstrates a disregard for the financial needs of their members and the overall quality of education in the state. They contend that these updated salary tables are crucial for attracting and retaining qualified personnel, ensuring a stable academic environment, and ultimately, providing students with a high standard of education. The alleged intimidation tactics further exacerbate the tension between the unions and the government, creating an atmosphere of distrust and hindering productive dialogue.
The indefinite nature of the strike highlights the JAC’s determination to secure their demands, signaling a protracted struggle if the government doesn’t engage meaningfully with their concerns. The impact of this strike extends beyond the staff directly involved. Students face disruption to their academic calendars, potentially delaying their graduation and career prospects. Parents bear the financial burden of extended educational timelines and the uncertainty surrounding their children’s education. The disruption also ripples through the broader community, affecting local businesses and the overall economic activity associated with these institutions.
The government’s stance on the strike remains a critical factor in its resolution. While Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to stability and quality service delivery in tertiary institutions is acknowledged by the JAC, the disconnect between his stated intentions and the actions of his representatives creates a significant obstacle. The government’s response to the strike, whether through negotiation, compromise, or a more hardline approach, will determine the duration of the disruption and the long-term impact on the state’s tertiary education sector. A swift and effective resolution requires open communication and a willingness from both parties to address the underlying issues.
The JAC’s emphasis on the alleged intimidation tactics raises concerns about the overall climate of labor relations within the state’s higher education system. Such allegations, if substantiated, warrant thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. A healthy labor-management relationship is crucial for the smooth functioning of any organization, especially in the education sector where collaboration and trust are essential for delivering quality education and fostering a positive learning environment.
The current impasse necessitates a proactive approach from both the JAC and the government to find common ground and resolve the strike swiftly. Open dialogue, facilitated by neutral mediators if necessary, can help bridge the gap between the two sides and facilitate a mutually acceptable solution. The focus should be on addressing the core concerns regarding salary structures and ensuring a fair and transparent process for future negotiations. Ultimately, the priority should be the welfare of the students and the long-term health of the state’s tertiary education system. A prolonged strike serves no one’s interests and only exacerbates the challenges facing the education sector in Bauchi State.
