3:26Gombe staff strike over unpaid allowances enters second day
Published by YuToday Staff
0 views · 2 hours ago · 3:26 read · September 2, 2026
Public tertiary institutions in Gombe State shut down academic activities on Wednesday as academic and non-academic staff commenced a two-week warning strike. The industrial action, declared by the Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN), began at midnight on September 2, 2026, over unpaid welfare entitlements allegedly owed by the state government. The strike involves key unions including COEASU, ASUP, SSUCOEN, SSANIP, and NASU, disrupting operations across multiple institutions.
Key takeaways
- Academic and non-academic staff in Gombe State's tertiary institutions have begun a two-week warning strike over unpaid welfare entitlements.
- The strike involves key unions including COEASU, ASUP, SSUCOEN, SSANIP, and NASU.
- The state government has not yet responded to the strike or the allegations of unpaid allowances.
- The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities and impact students and staff financially.
Why are Gombe tertiary staff on strike?
The strike stems from unaddressed welfare entitlements, including unpaid allowances and benefits owed to academic and non-academic staff. According to the Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN), the state government has failed to fulfill financial commitments despite repeated appeals. The unions argue that these delays have created financial hardship for staff, affecting morale and productivity. While specific entitlements remain undisclosed, reports suggest issues with salary arrears and other welfare packages. The warning strike is intended to pressure the government into resolving these grievances before a full-scale industrial action is called.
Which institutions are affected by the strike?
The strike impacts several public tertiary institutions in Gombe State, including colleges of education, polytechnics, and associated educational bodies. Key institutions involved are governed by unions such as 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 the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). The exact number of institutions and staff affected remains unconfirmed, but the strike is expected to disrupt academic activities across the state.
What is the government's response so far?
As of the strike's second day, the Gombe State government has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations or the strike itself. The unions have called for immediate negotiations to resolve the welfare issues, but no progress has been reported. The government's silence has fueled concerns among staff, who argue that prolonged inaction could escalate the industrial action. Observers note that without swift intervention, the strike may extend beyond the two-week warning period, potentially leading to a full-blown crisis in the state's tertiary education sector.
How will the strike impact students and staff?
The strike has already disrupted academic activities, with classes, examinations, and administrative functions likely to be suspended for the duration of the industrial action. Students may face delays in their academic progress, while staff will lose wages during the strike period. The unions have assured that the warning strike is a temporary measure, but if unresolved, the situation could escalate, leading to prolonged closures. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor updates from their institutions as the strike progresses.
What are the next steps for resolving the strike?
The unions have called for urgent negotiations with the state government to address the welfare grievances. If the government fails to respond within the two-week warning period, the unions may escalate the industrial action, potentially leading to a full strike. Meanwhile, students and staff are urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid speculation. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future of academic activities in Gombe State's tertiary institutions.
What happens next
The outcome of negotiations between the unions and the Gombe State government will determine whether the strike escalates or is resolved within the two-week warning period. Students and staff are advised to stay updated through official channels and prepare for potential disruptions. The government's response in the coming days will be critical in averting a prolonged crisis in the state's tertiary education sector.
People also ask
Which unions are leading the strike in Gombe State?
The strike is led by the Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN), which comprises COEASU, ASUP, SSUCOEN, SSANIP, and NASU.
How long will the strike last?
The strike is currently a two-week warning strike, but it could escalate into a full strike if unresolved.
What are the staff demanding from the government?
The staff are demanding the payment of outstanding welfare entitlements, including unpaid allowances and benefits.
How will the strike affect students?
The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities, including classes and examinations, potentially delaying students' academic progress.