Strike: Gombe tertiary institutions issue 14-Day ultimatum over unpaid entitlements

By Hajara Usman

The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Gombe State Government to address outstanding staff welfare entitlements and implement agreed conditions of service across public tertiary institutions in the state.

The union, comprising the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), issued the ultimatum in a communiqué dated August 17, 2026.

According to the unions, the outstanding issues have persisted despite several engagements with relevant government authorities.

JOUGTIN acknowledged the efforts of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in supporting tertiary education in the state, but said several critical staff welfare matters remain unresolved.

Among the issues raised are the non-implementation of the consolidated ₦70,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments for staff of public tertiary institutions.

The unions also demanded the implementation of approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONPCASS/CONTISS salary adjustments, payment of outstanding consequential adjustments arising from the ₦30,000 minimum wage, and payment of approved wage awards, palliatives and other relief measures introduced in response to economic hardship.

Other demands include the implementation of outstanding staff promotions, payment of promotion arrears, some of which the unions said date back several years, annual salary increments, and the implementation of approved CATA and CONTTA allowances.

JOUGTIN said the continued failure to address the issues had placed a heavy financial burden on workers and their families, while negatively affecting staff morale, productivity and industrial relations in the tertiary education sector.

The union said it had exhausted various avenues of dialogue and constructive engagement before resorting to the 14-day ultimatum.

It therefore called on the state government to take “concrete, verifiable and meaningful steps” towards resolving the outstanding demands within the stipulated period.

JOUGTIN warned that failure to secure satisfactory action within 14 days would compel the unions to commence further legitimate industrial action, including an indefinite strike, without further notice.

The unions, however, said they remained committed to dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful engagement, stressing that the ultimatum was not intended to undermine their relationship with the government.

They appealed to parents, students, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public to understand the circumstances behind their action and support efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.

The unions expressed hope that the government would respond positively to their demands in the interest of industrial harmony, staff welfare, uninterrupted academic activities and the sustainable development of tertiary education in Gombe State.

Strike: Gombe tertiary institutions issue 14-Day ultimatum over unpaid entitlements

Buni calls on emirs to lead peace missions in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, has called on the traditional rulers in the state to remain custodians of our heritage and to lead prayers for peace and unity among the citizens of the state.

He said our traditional institutions must continue to promote mutual respect, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence, noting that the peace and stability we enjoy in Yobe State today must be protected by all of us.

The governor stated this today at Potiskum, the headquarters of the Fika emirate council, while attending a special prayer session marking the 70th birthday anniversary of the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, CON, CFR.

The Yobe State APC gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali MNI, FCAN, ably represented the governor. The emirate offered prayers for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of Yobe State and the success of Governor Buni and the incoming governor, inshallah, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI FCAN.

In his remarks, His Royal Father, the emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, CON, CFR, thanked His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, for his support and called on citizens to be law-abiding, adding that there is no wealth greater than peace.

The emir also called on the people to pray for a bumper harvest this year’s farming season, as well as charged them to love one another and always promote peace in all their endeavors.

Buni calls on emirs to lead peace missions in Yobe

Buni urged youths in Yobe to actively participate in elections for competent candidates

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has charged the youth in the state to participate actively in all the elections of competent persons for various political offices in the state and Nigeria.

He also assured the youth in the state that they have a prosperous future in their lives.

Governor Buni stated this at a two-day retreat organized by the Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) Political Organizations (COYAPO).

According to him, the youth constitute the larger population of the state; therefore, you must be actively involved to shape the politics and leadership of the state.

In his earlier address, the Director General of COYAPO, Alhaji Babagana Modu alias Bature Goniri, commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for the opportunity extended to youth in the state to participate in governance.

Buni urged youths in Yobe to actively participate in elections for competent candidates