Tertiary institutions owned by the Katsina State Government have suspended their two-week warning strike, easing concerns among students and parents. The suspension was announced on Saturday by the Chairman of the Joint Consultative Forum (JCF), Dr. Muhammad Nasir-Gidado, in a statement issued in Katsina. The strike, which began on January 12, 2026, was initially declared over unresolved welfare and salary-related issues.

According to Dr. Nasir-Gidado, the unions embarked on the strike due to the government’s failure to approve and implement agreed salary increases of 35 per cent and 25 per cent for staff. Other demands included the proper placement of non-migrated staff on CONTISS 15 and concerns over sharp increases in students’ registration fees, which the forum said had negatively affected enrolment due to the current economic hardship.

He explained that the decision to suspend the strike followed interventions by key stakeholders and concerned citizens of the state. The forum noted that discussions with the government would now begin immediately to address all outstanding issues. As a result, members have been directed to return to their duties with immediate effect and continue their work with commitment.

The affected institutions include Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma, Yusuf Bala Usman College of Education and Legal Studies, Daura, Colleges of Nursing Sciences in Katsina and Malumfashi, Colleges of Health Science and Technology in Daura and Kankia, as well as the Institute of Technology and Management. The forum thanked parents and students for their patience and assured them that efforts to press home their demands would continue.