Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Kaduna State University (KASU) Branch, has called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently implement outstanding agreements and settle various financial obligations owed university workers.
The unions also demanded improved funding for Kaduna State University, stronger institutional autonomy and an amicable resolution of the ongoing industrial dispute between the state government and another sister union in the institution.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, following a meeting of the three unions at their secretariat in Kaduna.
The JAC specifically called for the “immediate and full implementation” of the 2026 Federal Government agreement with non-teaching staff unions in public universities, known as CONTTA.
According to the unions, agreements freely entered into between government and recognised workers’ unions should be honoured without unnecessary delay.
“The JAC emphasizes that agreements freely entered into by the Government and duly recognised unions should be honoured and implemented without unnecessary delay,” the communiqué stated.
The unions urged the Kaduna State Government and KASU management to take immediate steps to implement provisions of the agreement applicable to university staff.
Beyond the 2026 agreement, the JAC listed several outstanding welfare issues it said were yet to be fully addressed.
These include payment of earned allowances, particularly excess workload allowance for eligible non-teaching staff; outstanding promotion arrears; group life insurance for university workers; pension arrears; implementation and payment of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments applicable to university staff; and the outstanding wage award.
“The JAC therefore calls on the Kaduna State Government to urgently address these outstanding issues in the interest of industrial harmony and staff welfare,” the communiqué said.
The three unions also raised concerns over what they described as the need for “adequate and sustainable funding” of Kaduna State University.
They argued that the institution could not effectively discharge its teaching, research, innovation and accreditation responsibilities without sufficient financial resources.
“A University cannot effectively fulfil its teaching, research, innovation and accreditation responsibilities without adequate financial resources,” the JAC said.
The union called on the State government to substantially increase funding to KASU to enable the institution provide and maintain infrastructure, support research and technological development, improve staff welfare and working conditions, meet accreditation requirements and provide essential teaching and learning facilities.
The JAC stressed that investment in the university was an investment in the future of the state.
“The JAC believes that adequate investment in Kaduna State University is an investment in the future of Kaduna State and its people,” it said.
The workers further called for the strengthening and preservation of institutional autonomy for the university.
They said KASU should have sufficient administrative, financial and academic independence to carry out its statutory responsibilities while remaining accountable to the appropriate authorities.
According to the unions, greater autonomy would enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, academic excellence and effective management of the institution’s resources.
The JAC also expressed concern over the ongoing industrial dispute involving a sister union in the university and the Kaduna State Government.
The unions appealed to Kaduna State Governor and Visitor to KASU, Senator Uba Sani, as well as other stakeholders, to intervene and ensure an amicable and speedy resolution of the dispute.
“In the interest of the students, parents, staff, overall development of education, and also to avoid escalation of industrial dispute to other Unions, the JAC calls on the Kaduna State Governor and Visitor to the University, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, and all relevant stakeholders to make every effort to resolve the dispute amicably and expeditiously,” the communiqué stated.
The unions maintained that consistent implementation of agreements reached with university-based unions was necessary to rebuild trust and sustain industrial peace in the university system.
“The JAC believes that the consistent implementation of 2026 Agreements is essential for building trust, promoting industrial peace, ensuring stability and staff welfare within the university system,” it said.
The JAC thanked members of SSANU, NASU and NAAT for their patience, cooperation and support during engagements with the government and university management.
It acknowledged the sacrifices made by members and assured them that the leadership remained committed to protecting their legitimate interests.
The unions urged their members to remain united, calm and committed to the collective struggle for the rights and entitlements of university workers.
While appreciating the Kaduna State Government for areas where it had responded positively to the unions’ concerns, the JAC urged the government to sustain dialogue and resolve all outstanding demands.
The committee said it remained committed to “constructive dialogue with the Government and University Management” in pursuit of industrial peace, staff welfare and the sustainable development of Kaduna State University.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Sa’adiyya A. Mustapha, SSANU and JAC Chairperson; Comrade Nicholas Allen Yakubu, SSANU Secretary; Comrade Nina Lami Ochigbo, NASU Chairman; Comrade Dahiru Musa, NASU and JAC Secretary; Comrade Aliyu Garba, NAAT Chairman; and Comrade Bala K. Aboi, NAAT Secretary.
