By Emmanuel Kwada
A strike is looming in Adamawa State’s tertiary institution, as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has presented a list of demands to the state government, citing unresolved issues that have been pending for years. According to an insider who spoke to TGNews on condition of anonymity, the JAC is seeking the government’s indulgence on several burning issues, including the full implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure.
The JAC has demanded that the state government implement the Consolidated Polytechnic and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Structure (CONPCASS), the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), with the exception of professionals from the health sector who are already enjoying the full salary structure. Currently, all state-owned tertiary institutions in Adamawa State are on 74.6% of the consolidated salary structure, making them the least paid in the northeast.
The table for Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure, released on September 23, 2024, via a circular by the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission
The JAC has also raised concerns about the monthly salary deficit that has been affecting staff members since the implementation of the new federal government tax reform in October 2024. The table for Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure, released on September 23, 2024, via a circular by the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, was not utilized for the implementation of tertiary institutions’ minimum wage, which could be the reason for the salary deficit.
Furthermore, the JAC has demanded that principal officers of state-owned tertiary institutions be appointed from within, to promote career progression and prevent brain drain. The committee has given the state government an ultimatum of 14 working days, which was served on January 29, 2025, and is awaiting the implementation of their requests. If their demands are not met, the JAC has threatened to embark on industrial action, which could disrupt academic activities in the institution.
The committee has given the state government an ultimatum of 14 working days
This looming strike is a cause for concern, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the students, staff, and the institution as a whole. The state government must take immediate action to address the JAC’s demands and prevent the strike from occurring. The future of Adamawa State’s tertiary institution hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the government and the JAC work together to find a solution to this crisis.
We have confident in our Governor. All things will be resolved amicably.