The Forum of Zamfara State Tertiary Institutions (FOZASTI) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Zamfara State Government to address the outstanding demands of workers in the state’s tertiary institutions. FOZASTI Chairman, Yusuf Magaji Mada, signed the statement issued in Gusau, warning of industrial action if the government fails to take concrete steps towards resolving the issues. The forum’s decision followed deliberations and consultations over persistent issues affecting workers and the smooth operation of tertiary institutions in the state.
According to FOZASTI, several issues previously brought to the government’s attention remain unresolved despite earlier discussions and assurances. The outstanding demands include the implementation of CONPCASS and CONTEDISS salary scales for relevant categories of staff in tertiary institutions. The forum also demanded the payment and implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for eligible academic staff.
Other demands by FOZASTI include the implementation of staff promotions across all eligible grade levels and the resolution of outstanding promotion-related matters. The forum stressed that these demands are critical to the welfare, motivation, and professional development of staff, as well as the effective functioning of tertiary institutions across the state. FOZASTI urged the state government to engage its leadership meaningfully and take concrete steps towards resolving the outstanding issues within the two-week period.
The ultimatum takes effect from the date of the communication, and FOZASTI said it remained committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement. The forum described the ultimatum as a final opportunity for the government to address the concerns. If the outstanding issues are not satisfactorily addressed, FOZASTI may commence industrial action, in accordance with applicable labour laws and established procedures.
FOZASTI called on workers in the state’s tertiary institutions to remain calm, united, and committed to the collective position of the forum pending further directives. The forum directed chapter chairmen across the institutions to communicate the resolution to their members and maintain unity, discipline, and effective communication throughout the two-week period.
Any further development or engagement with the government would be communicated through the appropriate channels. FOZASTI’s decision to issue an ultimatum highlights the growing tensions between the forum and the Zamfara State Government over the welfare of workers in tertiary institutions. The government is yet to respond to the forum’s demands.
The Zamfara State Government faces pressure to address the demands of workers in the state’s tertiary institutions to avoid industrial action. The implementation of the demands would improve the welfare and motivation of staff, leading to the effective functioning of tertiary institutions across the state.
Key points
- Workers in Zamfara state’s tertiary institutions may embark on strike action if the government fails to address their demands within two weeks.
- The demands include the implementation of CONPCASS and CONTEDISS salary scales and the payment of Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).
- The ultimatum is a final opportunity for the government to address the concerns of workers in the state’s tertiary institutions.
