The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of labour unions in Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions has threatened a fresh strike over unpaid allowances, outstanding salary arrears, inadequate funding and staff shortages.
The unions gave the governing councils and managements of the affected institutions until October 28, 2026, to address their demands, warning that failure to reach a satisfactory resolution could lead to further lawful industrial action.
In a press statement dated October 19 and signed by JAC Chairman, Dr Kola Lawal, and Secretary, Comrade Akeem Fatai, the committee said the ultimatum followed a meeting held on October 7 at Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki.
The committee demanded the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for non-teaching staff, in line with applicable agreements covering tertiary institutions from January 2026.
It also demanded payment of outstanding arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases covering January to December 2024.
According to the JAC, although the Oyo State Government implemented the salary increases in January 2025, the Federal Government and several other states had paid arrears dating back to January 2024.
The unions further called for the full implementation of 100 per cent government subvention, arguing that inadequate funding had forced the institutions to supplement recurrent expenditure with internally generated revenue, limiting their capacity to meet statutory obligations.
They also demanded urgent recruitment of academic, technical, administrative and support staff, warning that manpower shortages had increased workloads and could undermine teaching quality, research, administration and regulatory compliance.
The committee recalled that some of the unresolved issues contributed to the industrial action embarked upon by workers in February 2025, which was later suspended in the interest of industrial harmony and continued dialogue with the government and relevant authorities.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful engagement, the JAC urged the governing councils, institutional managements and the Oyo State Government to address the demands within the stipulated period.
It warned that failure to achieve a satisfactory resolution by October 28 would compel the committee and the affected unions to review the situation and consider further lawful industrial relations measures.
The committee said its demands were aimed at protecting workers’ welfare, promoting institutional stability and safeguarding the quality and sustainability of tertiary education in Oyo State.
