Minimum Wage: Tertiary Institutions’ Workers Gives 21-Day Ultimatum To Bauchi Gov’t

By Khalid Idris Doya

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Academic and Non-Academic staff of Bauchi State-owned Tertiary Institutions has issued a 21-Day ultimatum to the state government to implement the new minimum wage for all workers in tertiary institutions (CONPCASS and CONTEDISS).

State JAC chairman, Comrade Engr. Abubakar Ahmed yesterday at the Bauchi NUJ Secretariat told the press, “I stand before you today, united in purpose and with deep concern for the well-being of our members. We are at a critical juncture, one that echoes in the very heart of our educational system and reflects our shared values of fairness and justice”.

Comrade Abubakar Ahmed explained that failure by the state government to address this pressing issue within the allotted time will compel them to take industrial action, believing that it is critical to uphold the rights and welfare of the workforce, and urged the government to act promptly and responsibly to avoid further disruption.

He puts it thus, “Addressing these issues thoroughly, adequately, transparently and decisively by the government can foster trust and increase faith and confidence among workers and ensure that the contributory pension scheme serves its intended purpose of providing security and peace of mind to all civil servants in Bauchi State as they approach retirement”.

The committee argued that for too long, the voices of its dedicated members, who tirelessly work to mold the minds of future generations have gone unheard, hence it is time to address the pressing issues of minimum wage implementation in the State.

It spelt out the precarious state of members welfare that despite
dedicated to their responsibilities, driven by a commitment to educate and inspire the youth, and their unwavering devotion to duty, many of them are burdened by inadequate compensation that falls short of the minimum wage directive set by the federal government.

The tertiary institutions’ workers therefore urged the Bauchi state government to take proactive measures to address their concerns before fully implementing the contributory pension scheme, which included establishing a robust framework for monitoring and ensuring timely remittances from employers.

The JAC consists of five higher institutions including Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, A. D. Rufa’i College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau; Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare; Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Ali to cimie. Bauchi; and Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.

Comrade Abubakar Ahmed said: “The clear reality is that when we are underpaid, the quality of education invariably suffers. Motivated teachers inspire students, create safe learning environments, and foster critical thinking. However, when faced with constant financial stress, unable to meet their basic needs, their ability to perform at their best diminishes.

“Imagine learning under the guidance of a teacher whose mind is preoccupied with worries about how to pay for food or education for their own children. This is not just a professional failure; it’s a systematic failure that we must confront together.

“Equally concerning, is the daily struggle faced by our staff and members to provide for their families resulting from the present economic realities and harsh government policies like the abrupt subsidy removal as well as growing index of inflation.

“Many of our members are forced to live salary to salary, worrying about basic necessities, from groceries to ensuring their children can pursue education,” JAC cried out.

The chairman further stated that, “The take-home is grossly inadequate and non-sustaining. It is disheartening to see that those who dedicate their lives to teaching are often left in precarious financial situations. Their struggles should tug at our hearts and prompt us all to demand change. Erosion or Loss of Staff Morale and Retention.

“The recent approval of a Contributory Pension Scheme in Bauchi State, where civil servants will contribute 8% of their salaries and employers will contribute 10%, is a significant development aimed at addressing the long-standing issues surrounding pension and gratuity payments.

“However, it is crucial to express our concerns regarding the potential burden this scheme may impose on workers, especially in light of the existing financial deductions they already face.”