Tertiary institutions in Katsina State, owned by the government, have suspended a two-week warning strike. The Joint Consultative Forum, led by Chairman Dr. Muhammad Nasir-Gidado, announced the decision in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday. The strike, which began on January 12, 2026, was called in response to the government’s failure to address the forum’s demands, including salary increments and proper placement for staff.
The forum had requested a 35% and 25% salary increase for staff, as well as the implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS 15) for non-migrated staff. Additionally, the forum expressed concern over the increase in students’ registration fees, which it argued would lead to lower enrollment rates due to the current economic situation.
Following interventions by key stakeholders and concerned state indigenes, the forum agreed to suspend the strike. Dr. Nasir-Gidado stated that negotiations with the government would commence immediately to resolve the outstanding issues. As a result, the forum has called on its members to resume their duties with immediate effect.
The affected institutions include Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, and Yusuf Bala Usman College of Education and Legal Studies, Daura. Other institutions impacted by the strike are the College of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Science and Technology, and the Institute of Technology and Management.
The forum has appreciated the patience and understanding of parents and students during the strike period. Dr. Nasir-Gidado assured that the forum remains committed to pursuing its demands vigorously. The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to students and staff, who can now focus on their academic and professional pursuits. The outcome of the negotiations between the forum and the government will be crucial in determining the future of tertiary education in Katsina State.
