Yobe tertiary institutions’ unions issue fresh 15-day ultimatum over unpaid allowances, welfare packages

The Joint Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions of state-owned tertiary institutions in Yobe State have issued a fresh 15-day ultimatum to the state government over the non-implementation of key welfare packages for staff of polytechnics and colleges.

In a joint press statement issued on Tuesday in Damaturu and signed by JASU President, Comrade Mohamed Bukar, and NASU Chairman, Comrade Ali Usman, the unions said that despite previous engagements and assurances, the government had failed to implement three critical items: the reviewed 2024 salary table for CONPCASS and CONTEDISS, the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), and the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).

According to the unions, a previous 15-working-day ultimatum issued on August 18, which expired on September 7, 2026, passed without any “satisfactory and verifiable” resolution.

“While we acknowledge the engagements and assurances received, the continued delay has heightened the concerns of our members and requires urgent government intervention,” the statement said.

The unions noted that the delay had left staff demoralised and frustrated despite several correspondences, reminders and representations to relevant authorities.

Consequently, the executive councils of JASU and NASU resolved to issue another ultimatum beginning September 8 and ending September 22, 2026.

Within this period, they called on the government to take concrete and verifiable steps towards resolving the implementation logjam.

The unions stressed that their action was not aimed at creating tension but was a call for the government to address legitimate welfare issues through dialogue.

“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, to personally intervene and direct the relevant authorities to expedite action on these outstanding matters,” the unions added.

They warned that failure to address the issues within the new ultimatum would compel them to “consider and take further lawful and appropriate action” in line with decisions of their competent organs.

The unions also appealed to stakeholders and the public to understand that workers’ welfare was essential to effective teaching, learning, research and the sustainable development of tertiary education in the state.

They urged members to remain calm, united, disciplined and vigilant while awaiting further directives.