The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) has commenced a two-week warning strike over the alleged failure of the state government to implement and pay outstanding staff welfare entitlements. The union, comprising the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, […] Gombe tertiary institutions’ unions begin two-week warning strike
The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) has commenced a two-week warning strike over the alleged failure of the state government to implement and pay outstanding staff welfare entitlements.
The union, comprising the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, said the strike commenced at midnight on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued on Wednesday following a joint meeting of the unions.
The unions had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government on August 17, demanding action on what they described as outstanding welfare issues affecting workers in public tertiary institutions across the state.
According to the communiqué, “the ultimatum expired on Monday, 31st August 2026. Regrettably, as at the expiration of the ultimatum, the Union has not received tangible, concrete and satisfactory feedback or demonstrable action capable of resolving the issues raised.”
The unions said they were compelled to commence the warning strike after the government allegedly failed to provide satisfactory responses to their demands.
“Having exhausted the 14 days ultimatum without receiving satisfactory and tangible action from Government, JOUGTIN hereby declares 14 days warning strike, commencing with effect from 12 midnight on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026,” the statement read.
The unions warned that the industrial action could be escalated if the government failed to address the outstanding issues within the two-week period.
“For the avoidance of doubt, should there be no tangible and satisfactory feedback, concrete commitment, or demonstrable implementation of the outstanding demands by the end of the 14-day warning strike, the Union shall have no alternative but to commence an indefinite strike action thereafter, without further notice,” the unions stated.
JOUGTIN, however, said it remained open to negotiations with the government, stressing that it hoped the warning strike would lead to a resolution of the dispute.
“The Union remains willing to engage with Government in good faith and sincerely hopes that this warning strike will provide the opportunity for meaningful intervention and a mutually acceptable resolution of the issues,” it said.
The unions urged the state government to intervene in the dispute in the interest of industrial harmony urgently and the education sector.
“We, therefore, respectfully urge the Government to treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves in the interest of industrial peace, staff welfare and the continued effective functioning of tertiary education in Gombe State,” the communiqué added.
Gombe tertiary institutions’ unions begin two-week warning strike
