From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Academic and non-academic staff at the Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences have launched a three-day warning strike, halting activities across the institution’s three campuses in Kaduna, Kafanchan, and Pambegua.
The strike, organized by the workers’ unions, is a response to the management’s alleged failure to promote eligible staff for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025. In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Daniel Danboyi, the union accused the college management of obstructing career progression and neglecting staff welfare despite repeated appeals.
The union is demanding the promotion of qualified staff whose cases have been pending for three years. They have warned that if management does not address the issue within the warning period, they will initiate indefinite strike action.
Students have expressed concern over the disruption, fearing it will further derail 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 continuous strikes keep holding us back,” said Cynthia, a student.
The union has called on Governor Uba Sani to intervene in the crisis, emphasizing that if the situation is not resolved urgently, it could escalate into a prolonged industrial dispute. Another student urged the government to act quickly, warning that persistent disruptions could discourage young people from pursuing nursing careers in the state.
This strike action is not unprecedented; the Kaduna State branch of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives had suspended a warning strike in July 2024 following negotiations with the state government. The union had been advocating for better welfare benefits and had seen significant compliance during that strike.
