Gombe Tertiary Institutions Unions Issue 14-Day Strike Ultimatum

The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Gombe State Government to address outstanding salary adjustments, promotions and other welfare entitlements owed to workers in public tertiary institutions across the state.

The unions warned that failure by the government to take “concrete, verifiable and meaningful steps” towards resolving the issues within the stipulated period could lead to further industrial action, including an indefinite strike.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué obtained on Tuesday following a joint meeting of the unions held on Friday, August 14.

Among their demands is the implementation of the consolidated ₦70,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments for workers in public tertiary institutions in the state.

They also demanded the implementation of the approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONPCASS/CONTISS salary adjustments applicable to tertiary institution workers.

Other demands include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and other agreed allowances, as well as the resolution of issues relating to staff promotions and career progression.

Issuing the ultimatum, the unions said: “JOUGTIN hereby issues a fourteen (14) day ultimatum to the Gombe State Government, effective from the date of this communiqué, to take concrete, verifiable, and meaningful steps towards resolving the outstanding welfare issues enumerated above.”

However, the unions warned that failure to address the issues within the 14-day period would result in an indefinite strike without further notice.

“However, should the Government fail to take satisfactory and concrete steps within the fourteen (14) days stipulated above, the Union shall be compelled to take further legitimate industrial action, including the commencement of an indefinite strike, without further notice,” they said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Gombe State University branch, had earlier issued a separate 14-day ultimatum to the state government over similar welfare concerns, including non-implementation of the 2025 FG–ASUU agreement and unpaid allowances.

ASUU Gombe said it would commence a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike” if the issues were not addressed before the expiration of the ultimatum, which began on August 11, 2026.

The union also demanded payment of Earned Academic Allowance arrears covering the 2018/2019 to 2022/2023 academic sessions and outstanding arrears relating to the 25 per cent to 35 per cent wage award from January 2023 to September 2024.

As of the time of reporting, the Gombe State Government had not issued an official response to the unions’ ultimatum or demands.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged governors to avoid triggering ASUU strikes by implementing the 2025 agreement and addressing outstanding welfare issues in state-owned universities.