Kaduna State University Faces Legal Intervention Following Union Strike Action

The Principal District Court of Kaduna State has issued a formal order directing the police to reopen the gates of Kaduna State University (KASU). This legal intervention follows reports that striking labor unions had barricaded the campus, effectively halting administrative and academic operations.

The Court Order and Police Enforcement

According to reports from Channels Television, the court granted the order on November 10, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by the university’s management and its Governing Council. The directive empowers the Commissioner of Police to deploy officers to the university premises to remove chains, break locks, and dismantle any barriers preventing entry.

The court has explicitly instructed that the police should employ only the force deemed “reasonably necessary” to restore access for authorized staff and students. This order is intended to remain in effect until the hearing of a motion on notice, or until further directives are issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria regarding suit number NICN/ABJ/329/2026.

Context of the Industrial Dispute

The conflict involves three specific unions: the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), along with their respective leadership.

In an affidavit presented to the court, Ibrahim Umar, the Chairman of the KASU Governing Council, stated that the National Industrial Court in Abuja had previously issued an interim order on November 5, 2026. This order reportedly restrained the unions from participating in or continuing the industrial action. The affidavit claims that these legal documents were served to the respondents on the afternoon of November 9.

Allegations of Defiance

Despite the existence of the National Industrial Court’s order, the university management alleges that the unions proceeded with the strike. According to the university’s account, the unions locked not only the main university gates but also various staff offices and classrooms. Management asserts that these actions have caused a significant disruption to the institution’s daily functions, preventing both faculty and students from accessing necessary facilities.

Current Status and Implications

As of the latest reports, the university maintained that the gates and offices remained inaccessible. It is important to note that the specific grievances driving the unions’ industrial action were not detailed in the available reports. Furthermore, the response of the union leadership to the District Court’s latest order has not been publicly documented. The situation remains fluid as the university awaits the outcome of the pending motion on notice at the National Industrial Court.

Conclusion

The intervention by the Principal District Court marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute at Kaduna State University. By authorizing police intervention to clear campus access, the court has signaled a move to prioritize the restoration of institutional activities while the broader legal battle between the university management and the labor unions continues to unfold in the industrial court system.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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