To promote industrial harmony, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the implementation of 70 per cent of the 2024 Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and the Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) for staff of all State-owned tertiary institutions, effective October 2025, as part of his administration’s commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare and revitalising the education sector.
The approval followed a high-level meeting between the governor and leaders of the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions (JUTIKS), which culminated in the suspension of the month-long strike embarked upon by the unions.
The dialogue, held at the Government House, Kaduna, was facilitated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, led by Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, and attended by representatives of academic and non-academic unions from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria; College of Education, Gidan Waya; and the Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery with campuses in Kaduna, Kafanchan, and Pambegua.
The unions had declared an industrial action on September 30, 2025, over issues relating to the implementation of the 2009 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, retirement benefits, and general welfare of staff in State-owned tertiary institutions.
In a joint press conference held after the meeting in Kaduna, the union leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Sani for what they described as his “listening leadership, transparency, and unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and educational advancement in Kaduna State.”
According to the union leaders, the key outcomes of the meeting include:
Approval and immediate implementation of 70 per cent of the 2024 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure for both academic and non-academic staff; approval of the 65-year retirement age, and approval of the 40-year service policy for non-teaching staff.
Meanwhile, the union members recognised and lauded Governor Sani’s commitment to paying the National Minimum Wage despite fiscal constraints and commended the Governor for the ₦13.5 billion paid in gratuities, pensions, and death benefits to retirees.
The unions also appreciated the governor for the 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions, which has expanded access to higher education, as well as the ongoing renovation, reconstruction, and upgrade of facilities in all tertiary institutions. They noted the government’s openness and democratic approach to labour relations.
They described Governor Sani as “a true pro-democracy advocate who continues to uphold the rights of workers.”
While acknowledging the state’s financial challenges, including a ₦5 billion monthly debt repayment burden inherited from the previous administration, the unions commended the governor’s prudence and prioritisation of education and human capital development.
“In recognition of the governor’s sincerity, proactive engagement, and decisive action on our demands, the Union has resolved to suspend the strike with immediate effect,” the unions said.
The union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration with the State Government to ensure long-term stability and growth in Kaduna’s tertiary education system.
Besides, the position of the Unions was jointly signed by Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, NLC Chairman, Kaduna State; Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, Chairman, JUTIKS/ASUP, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic; Comrade Shuaibu Dauda Adamu, Secretary General, JUTIKS; Comrade Nuhu Yerima Christopher, Chairman, COESU, College of Education, Gidan Waya; Comrade Mahmud Aliyu Kwarbai, Chairman, NASU, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic; and Comrade Daniel Danboyi, Chairman, Academic Staff Union, College of Nursing.
