The Principal District Court of Kaduna State has authorised the police to reopen the gates of Kaduna State University (KASU), which were locked by striking university workers.
The order empowers the Commissioner of Police to deploy designated officers, under the supervision of an authorised court official, to remove all barriers obstructing access to the university.
Issued on November 10, 2026, following an ex parte application by the university’s management and Governing Council, the order also authorises the police to break locks, remove chains and dismantle other obstructions used to secure the gates.
The court, however, directed the police to use only such force as is reasonably necessary to restore access to the campus for authorised staff and students.
It further stated that the order would remain in force pending the hearing of the motion on notice or the interim order issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in suit number NICN/ABJ/329/2026.
The university’s management and Governing Council had approached the court seeking an interim injunction restraining the unions from locking the gates or preventing authorised staff and students from accessing the campus.
The unions listed as respondents are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), alongside their respective officials.
In an affidavit filed in support of the application, the Chairman of KASU’s Governing Council, Ibrahim Umar, said the National Industrial Court, Abuja Judicial Division, issued an interim order on November 5 restraining the unions from commencing, participating in or giving effect to the industrial action.
He said the order, which was enrolled and issued under seal on November 6, directed the unions to suspend the strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice before the court.
According to the affidavit, the court processes, including the interim order, were served on the respondents at 2:30 pm on November 9.
However, Umar alleged that the unions continued with the strike despite the court order and a meeting with the university management.
He said the unions subsequently locked the university gates, staff offices and classrooms, preventing authorised staff and students from gaining access to the facilities.
The Governing Council chairman said the action had disrupted academic and administrative activities, adding that the gates, offices and classrooms remained locked as of the latest inspection.
