The Joint Union of Gombe State Tertiary Institutions (JOUGTIN) announced that an indefinite industrial action will start at midnight on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, across four public tertiary institutions in Gombe State because the state government has not satisfied long‑standing salary and welfare demands.
**Key facts**
- The strike follows a 14‑day ultimatum issued on August 17, which lapsed on August 31 without a satisfactory response, prompting a warning strike that began on September 2.
- The government was given a further month for negotiations and pledged concrete commitments, but by October 17 it had not presented a verifiable offer.
- Demands include full implementation of the N30,000 and N70,000 [national minimum wage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage_in_Nigeria) provisions, approved 25 % and 35 % CONPCASS/CONTISS salary adjustments, the 2024 salary structure, and payment of overdue allowances and increments dating back more than eight years.
- JOUGTIN warned that its constituent unions – COEASU, ASUP, SSUCOEN, SSANIP and NASU – had resolved to commence an indefinite strike if the agreed deadline passed without resolution.
- A letter dated October 6 reminded the [Gombe State Government](https://gombe.gov.ng/education) of the earlier agreement, but the request for additional time was rejected at a meeting on October 17 attended by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.
**What led to the decision?**
The union said it had repeatedly extended goodwill periods to allow dialogue, but the lack of a concrete, verifiable offer forced its hand. It emphasized that the strike is a last resort aimed at safeguarding staff welfare and institutional stability.
**How will the strike affect stakeholders?**
JOUGTIN apologised to students, parents and other parties for the anticipated disruption, urging its members to remain peaceful, united and disciplined throughout the action. The union also expressed readiness to resume negotiations should the government present credible commitments.
**Background**
JOUGTIN represents academic, senior and non‑academic staff at the College of Education, Billiri; Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga; College of Health Science and Technology, Kaltungo; and College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada. The dispute centres on the implementation of salary adjustments approved by the federal and state authorities, as well as allowances introduced to mitigate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies.
The indefinite strike will remain in force until the outstanding demands are met or a mutually acceptable settlement is reached.