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NLC awaits decision as ultimatum to FG over looming tertiary institutions strike expires

Published

2 months ago

November 22, 2025

NLC awaits decision as ultimatum to FG over looming tertiary institutions strike expires

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that its internal organs will meet to determine the next line of action as the four-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over the looming strike in public tertiary institutions expires today.

The acting secretary-general of the NLC, Benson Upah, confirmed the development in Abuja on Friday, noting that the Congress will communicate its decision after reviewing the government’s response to the lingering crises in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The ultimatum followed a conference of tertiary institution-based unions, during which the NLC resolved to give the government one month to address sector-wide issues.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the era of endless negotiations and unfulfilled agreements had come to an end.

“We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU, but the problem goes beyond ASUU. That is why we are extending this to four weeks,” Ajaero stated.

He added that in line with the NLC’s commitment to supporting the demands of unions in the education sector, “appropriate organs of the Congress will meet and decide on the next line of action” now that the ultimatum has elapsed.

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Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to avert the impending strike in public tertiary institutions.
Speaking to our correspondent, NANS Assistant Secretary-General, Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel, urged the government to take “urgent, decisive, and lasting action” to address the concerns surrounding ASUU’s ongoing warning strike.

He noted that since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigerian students had enjoyed an uninterrupted academic calendar—an achievement not recorded since 1999.
“This stability must be protected for national development, productivity, and the well-being of millions of students,” he said.

Olatunji-Emmanuel emphasised the need for constructive dialogue and swift resolution of outstanding issues to prevent a total disruption of academic activities.

ASUU had suspended its two-week warning strike on October 22, giving the government one month to meet its demands.
The union’s requests include a review of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of university revitalisation funds. It warned that it would resume industrial action without notice if the government failed to act.

However, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, insisted that the government had addressed the union’s demands. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive of “no strike in public universities,” stressing that negotiations were ongoing to ensure students remain in school.

The coming days will determine whether the looming strike will be averted or Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will face another round of disruption.

NLC awaits decision as ultimatum to FG over looming tertiary institutions strike expires

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Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

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2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a tweet by activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, in which he called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal,” as part of the evidence in his ongoing cyberstalking and defamation trial brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that screenshots of the controversial posts from Sowore’s verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, along with video clips submitted on a flash drive, would be formally marked as exhibits in the case. The court overruled defense objections, allowing the social media evidence to form a central part of the prosecution’s case.

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The trial relates to posts published in August 2025, following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil. The government alleges that Sowore’s online statements were false, inflammatory, and capable of undermining public peace, contrary to provisions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. DSS witnesses told the court that Sowore’s posts attracted millions of views and were capable of escalating political tension and threatening national security.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the African Action Congress (AAC), has pleaded not guilty, insisting that his posts are protected under freedom of expression and free speech rights. The court adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for the cross-examination of DSS witnesses and continuation of proceedings.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate over cyber defamation, limits of online political criticism, and freedom of expression in Nigeria, attracting significant attention from journalists, human rights groups, and political commentators.

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly hiring armed robbers to steal her boyfriend’s gold jewellery worth about ₦13 million, the police confirmed on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

One of the golds

According to SP Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Jessica Anthony, approached individuals she believed were armed robbers to execute the plan. Her motive, she admitted, was to raise money for her sister’s medical bills.

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The boyfriend reportedly became aware of the plot and contacted the Delta police, who arranged for the “robbers” to be intercepted. During the operation, Jessica was arrested and the gold jewellery — including a hand chain and necklace — recovered.

A video released by the Delta State Police shows the recovered items and highlights the agency’s prompt action in foiling the robbery attempt. SP Edafe warned residents against engaging in criminal activities or hiring armed criminals, stressing that such acts carry severe legal consequences.

This incident forms part of ongoing Delta police operations targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, reinforcing the command’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement across the state.

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) January 22, 2026

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

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2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Senator Natasha Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh case at the Supreme Court, escalating the ongoing legal dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The move comes after protracted proceedings in lower courts, with the apex court now set to deliver a final judgment on the matter.

According to court filings, Akpabio is seeking the Supreme Court’s approval to regularize and sustain his appeal against previous rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, asserting that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution to regulate its internal procedures. The case, recorded under SC/CV/1111/2025, also requests leave for Akpabio’s notice of appeal and brief of argument to be deemed properly filed and served.

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The dispute traces back to February 2025, when Akpoti‑Uduaghan raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and parliamentary privilege issues during a Senate plenary session. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently invoked disciplinary measures, resulting in a six-month suspension for the lawmaker.

Akpoti‑Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing it violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and breached Senate Standing Orders. The Court of Appeal later struck out parts of the Senate’s defense on procedural grounds, prompting Akpabio to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court for definitive resolution.

Additionally, the dispute encompasses a related contempt proceeding, arising from a social media post by Akpoti‑Uduaghan during the litigation, which a Federal High Court deemed in violation of a restraining order, leading to a fine and public apology — a decision she is also appealing.

The Supreme Court filing effectively brings all parties before Nigeria’s apex court, with the case expected to set precedents on the limits of legislative authority, judicial review, and parliamentary discipline.