By:Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi State, Nigeria- July 22, 2025 (Series News Online)
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Academic and Non-Academic Staff in Bauchi State-owned Tertiary Institutions has commended Governor Bala Mohammed for approving and commencing the implementation of 90% of the new salary structures under COMPCASS and CONTEDISS, effective from June 2025.
State JAC chairman, Comrade Abubakar Ahmed, made the commendation on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Aliko Dangote College Of Nursing and Health Sciences, Bauchi. Comrade Ahmed praised the governor's "magnanimity, proactive leadership, and unwavering commitment to the education sector." He said, "This approval is a clear demonstration of the governor's sensitivity to the needs of the workforce. As a responsible and appreciative union, we commend this bold and historic decision."
However, JAC expressed concern over anomalies in the June 2025 salary payments, where some staff received unexplained shortfalls ranging from N2,000 to as high as N40,000. Comrade Ahmed stated, "We are confident that this was not intentional and may be a result of computation or transmission errors."
The chairman requested the urgent attention of the relevant authorities to investigate and address these anomalies so that affected staff are fully paid what is due to them. He urged, "We request the urgent attention of the relevant authorities to investigate and address these anomalies so that affected staff are fully paid what is due to them."
On another issue, the JAC reiterated its position on the Bauchi State Contributory Pension Scheme. While supporting initiatives that secure retirement benefits, the union raised objections to certain provisions deemed anti-worker, particularly regarding pension administration post-retirement. Comrade Ahmed said, "We have studied the scheme thoroughly and, while we support any policy that ensures retirement security, we are concerned about certain provisions that are anti-worker, especially in the area of pension administration after retirement."
Comrade Ahmed further stated, "JAC has officially communicated its reservations to the Head of Service and we once again call on the Government to re-examine the scheme in the best interest of workers."
The JAC extended appreciation to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Education, Senior Special Assistants on Labour and Civil Service Matters, and all other stakeholders who supported the cause. Comrade Ahmed said, "We extend appreciation to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Education, Senior Special Assistants on Labour and Civil Service Matters, and all other stakeholders who supported our cause."
The union also acknowledged the roles played by former Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu (Ajiyan Ningi), and the current Head of Service, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar Esq, in ensuring an amicable resolution to the prolonged agitation. Comrade Ahmed expressed gratitude, saying, "We also appreciated the roles played by former Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu (Ajiyan Ningi), and the current Head of Service, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar Esq, in ensuring an amicable resolution to the prolonged agitation."
Leaders of Organized Labour in the state, including the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Joint Negotiation Council, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), were also appreciated for their support throughout the struggle. According to Comrade Ahmed, "Also appreciated were leaders of Organized Labour in the state including the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Joint Negotiation Council, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their support throughout the struggle."
Comrade Ahmed commended the patience, unity, and resilience of JAC Congress members, stating, "To our indefatigable JAC Congress members, your patience, unity, and resilience were pivotal in achieving this success. This victory is a testament to the power of peaceful dialogue and collective strength."
The committee also recognized the support of parents, students, and the public throughout the dispute. JAC reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace, constructive dialogue, and the advancement of tertiary education in Bauchi State. The union pledged continued engagement with the government to champion staff welfare and institutional development.
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