Stories from Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Academic and non-academic staff of the Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences have embarked on a three-day warning strike, thereby halting activities across the institution’s three campuses in Kaduna, Kafanchan, and Pambegua.
It was gathered that the strike, organized by the workers’ unions, was a response to the management’s alleged refusal to promote eligible staff for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The union, in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Daniel Danboyi, accused the college management of obstructing career progression and neglecting staff welfare despite repeated appeals for action.
The union is demanding the promotion of qualified staff whose cases have been pending for the past three years.
They also warned that if the management does not address this issue within the warning period, they will escalate to an indefinite strike.
The union equally called on Governor Uba Sani to intervene, emphasizing that if it is not resolved urgently, it could lead to a prolonged industrial dispute.
However, students are expressing concerns over the disruption, fearing it will further delay their academic calendar, which has already faced setbacks due to previous industrial actions in state-owned tertiary institutions.
“We are worried because this is not the first time our studies have been interrupted. Most of us are supposed to graduate this year, but the continuous strikes keep holding us back”, said one Cynthia, a student.
Another student, urged the government to act swiftly, warning that ongoing disruptions could discourage young people from pursuing nursing careers in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the strike action is not unprecedented as the Kaduna State branch of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives had previously suspended a warning strike in July 2024 following negotiations with the state government.
Alao, during that strike, the union had demanded better welfare benefits and achieved significant compliance.
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