In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC defended the two-week warning strike initiated by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as a justified response to the government’s repeated failure to honor negotiated agreements.
Ajaero emphasized that the Federal Government’s refusal to implement signed agreements with lecturers and other education sector workers has severely undermined public universities.
“ASUU’s strike is a direct result of the government’s neglect of its commitments. This action highlights the systemic neglect of education, a cornerstone of our society,” the NLC stated.
The congress rejected the “No Work, No Pay” directive, arguing that the government—not the lecturers—is responsible for the breach of contract.
“Lecturers are willing to work, but the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations has made it impossible for them to do so under dignified conditions,” Ajaero said.
The NLC framed the dispute as a broader issue of inequality, noting that while elite families send their children to private or foreign institutions, public universities—attended by most Nigerians—remain chronically underfunded.
“This educational divide entrenches social inequality and hampers national progress,” the statement read.
The NLC pledged full solidarity with ASUU and other education unions, urging the government to promptly address the agreements’ unresolved issues. It also warned of an emergency meeting with affiliates if no resolution is reached after the two-week strike.
“ASUU’s fight is our fight. Quality public education is non-negotiable for Nigeria’s future,” the NLC concluded.