Labour Threatens To Shut Down Unity Schools Nationwide Over Welfare Issues

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Education, threatening industrial action in all 110 Unity Colleges nationwide if the government fails to address lingering welfare issues affecting its members.

The union, in a letter dated Thursday, January 23, 2025, and addressed to the ministry, ASCSN Secretary-General Comrade Joshua Apebo, expressed regret over the ministry’s refusal to convene a meeting to resolve issues raised in multiple letters sent since 2023.

He described the ministry’s inaction as contemptuous and detrimental to industrial peace and harmony.
The welfare demands outlined by the union include payment of arrears for promotion, salaries, and elongation benefits; compensation for Education Officers displaced from Unity Schools in the North-East; payment of the first 28 days’ allowance instead of hotel accommodation as per Public Service Rules; and disarticulation of Junior Secondary Schools from Senior Secondary Schools to create career advancement opportunities at the Directorate level.

Others are Payment of transport allowances and duty travel allowances (DTA) for Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS) staff, Reduction of exorbitant medical fees charged under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by Health Management Organizations (HMOs) appointed by the ministry.’’

The union further demanded the regularisation of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers’ appointments, the inclusion of ASCSN units in the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) for decision-making purposes, and the implementation of scholarships for children of Education Officers in line with a directive from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

ASCSN has urged stakeholders to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Education to engage in dialogue to avoid disruption.

“It is better to act now rather than wait for industrial action to begin before seeking solutions,” the union stated.