By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, has charged the University Management and Unions to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and responsible collective bargaining as pathways to resolving industrial disagreements in advancing the Institution.
He described labour as a critical pillar of every organisation, stressing that no institution could achieve sustainable progress without recognising the contributions and welfare of its workforce.
He urged stakeholders to focus on practical issues, avoid unnecessary confrontation and maintain open channels of communication in addressing concerns affecting the University community.
Professor Abdullah also highlighted the importance of understanding the respective financial and administrative responsibilities of the state government, university management and labour unions.
He called for realistic negotiations guided by the principle of ability to pay, noting that mutual understanding and respect for each party’s position were essential to reaching workable agreements.
The Pro-Chancellor maintained that academics and administrators must not only identify challenges but also contribute to resolving them, calling on all parties to work in unity towards the continued growth, stability and development of IBBUL.
Earlier In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, for providing a platform for constructive engagement with the University’s in-house labour unions.
He noted that the meeting would strengthen understanding between the University Management and the Unions, expressing confidence that the Pro-Chancellor’s fatherly advice, wealth of experience and guidance would go a long way in fostering industrial harmony, resolving outstanding issues and promoting the continued growth and development of the Institution.
The Chairmen of the four labour Unions, comprising ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT, have appealed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, to intervene in their outstanding demands following the suspension of the recent industrial action.
They urged the Council Chairman to look into the non-financial aspects of the 2026 agreement and grant the necessary approval to facilitate its full implementation and finally resolve all outstanding issues arising from the agreement.
The union leaders commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, for his commitment to dialogue and for prioritising the future of the University throughout the crisis.
They disclosed that some demands had been set aside to facilitate the resolution of the strike, leaving outstanding issues, including the 25–35 per cent salary adjustment and the release of the 7.5 per cent salary-related funds.
They also called for the expedited consideration of other matters requiring Council approval, including the establishment of an occupational health and safety committee, improved workplace safety, the proposed restructuring of the Physical Planning, Works and Maintenance functions, and issues concerning representation in the university’s Congregation.
Responding, Professor Sheikh Abdullah acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions and stressed the need to balance workers’ welfare with the University’s financial realities.
He assured the stakeholders of continued engagement with the relevant authorities to explore ways of addressing the outstanding demands, while urging the Unions and Management to sustain mutual respect, unity and constructive dialogue.
He further encouraged the University management to examine the proposed administrative reforms within the applicable legal and institutional frameworks, emphasizing that lasting industrial harmony depends on shared responsibility and a collective commitment to the growth and stability of IBBUL.
