Academic activities have been abruptly halted across six major tertiary institutions owned by the Katsina State Government. The institutions have embarked on a two-week warning strike, a move triggered by the government's failure to address a series of long-standing demands put forward by their staff unions.
Institutions Affected and Strike Details
The industrial action commenced at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. The decision was reached following an emergency meeting of the Executive Council of the Joint Consultative Forum of Tertiary Institutions (JCF), which represents all staff unions within the state-owned schools.
The six institutions involved in the warning strike are:
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina
- Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma
- Yusuf Bala Usman College of Education and Legal Studies, Daura
- College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina (covering both Katsina and Malumfashi campuses)
- College of Health Science and Technology (covering Daura and Kankia campuses)
- Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management, Katsina
Core Unmet Demands Behind the Action
A unified statement issued by the forum and signed by the leadership of the 12 staff unions across these institutions outlined the primary grievances. The unions expressed deep frustration over the state government's refusal to amicably resolve pressing issues that directly affect staff welfare and institutional stability.
The key unmet demands include:
The non-approval and non-implementation of a 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary increase for staff, a critical issue amidst the nation's economic challenges.
Delays in implementing proper placement for staff on the CONTISS 15 salary scale who have not yet been migrated.
An unsympathetic increase in students' registration fees, which the unions argue was done without considering the current harsh economic realities. They believe this hike is significantly affecting student enrolment and accessibility to education.
A Final Resort to Avert Collapse
The forum revealed that it had issued a two-week ultimatum to the state government starting from December 29, 2025. With the expiration of this grace period and no satisfactory resolution from the government, the unions felt compelled to take what they termed a "hard decision."
In their statement, they emphasized that the strike action is a necessary step to save the institutions from total collapse. They have called on the general public to understand the gravity of the situation and bear with them during this critical period, squarely placing the blame on the government's inaction.
While directing all union members to ensure full compliance with the strike, the forum's leadership has advised them to await further directives as the situation develops. As of the latest reports, the Katsina State Government, led by Governor Malam Dikko Radda, has not issued an official response or statement regarding the ongoing industrial action.
