The National Industrial Court has restrained three workers’ unions at Kaduna State University from embarking on a strike. Justice E. D. Subilim of the Abuja Judicial Division issued the order on 5 November. The order was sealed on 6 November. It bars the unions, their officers and agents from declaring or participating in any industrial action pending determination of a suit.
Non-teaching staff unions at Nigerian universities have agitated for years over CONTTA, the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance. In 2024, the federal government approved the allowance but implementation lagged across states. Kaduna State University’s Joint Action Committee has raised the issue repeatedly. Court injunctions against academic and non-academic strikes have become a common government response.
The affected unions are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the National Association of Academic Technologists. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/329/2026, was filed by the university, its governing council and the vice-chancellor. The defendants include branch chairmen and secretaries of the unions.
At a congress on 2 November, the unions issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Kaduna State Government and university management. They demanded implementation of the 2026 CONTTA agreement, payment of approved wage awards, group life insurance for staff, and the federal government-approved ₦70,000 monthly transport support for six months. They also called for respect for the university’s autonomy. They warned that failure to meet the demands could trigger a warning strike.
The court directed that the originating summons, motion on notice and supporting affidavits be served on the defendants without delay. It adjourned the hearing of the motion to 18 November. The unions have not commented publicly since the order. The university has not issued a statement.
The injunction freezes the strike but not the grievance. The underlying demands remain unpaid. The court will hear the motion later this month. Until then, the unions are legally barred from acting, and the government has gained time.
Winners: The university management, which gained a court order. The Kaduna State Government, which avoids an immediate strike. The court, which asserted jurisdiction. Losers: The three unions, which face legal restraint. Non-teaching staff, whose allowances remain unpaid. Students, who face uncertainty if the dispute reopens. The university, if the injunction deepens staff resentment.
Bottom Line: A court order stopped the strike. It did not pay the allowances. The motion returns on 18 November. If the money is still missing, the injunction will only postpone the conflict.