A court has ordered the Federal Government to register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Universities (NANTS) as a recognised trade union for university workers, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s higher education labour landscape.

The judgment followed a legal dispute over the recognition of NANTS as a legitimate representative body for non-teaching staff across federal and state universities.

The court held that the association met the necessary requirements for registration and directed the relevant government authorities to grant it official status as a trade union.

With the ruling, NANTS is expected to formally represent non-teaching university workers in negotiations involving welfare, working conditions, and labour rights.

Labour experts say the decision could reshape union dynamics within Nigeria’s university system, where multiple associations already exist to represent academic and non-academic staff.

The court’s directive is also seen as a boost for labour rights advocacy, particularly in the education sector where industrial disputes have been frequent in recent years.

Reactions from stakeholders have been mixed, with some welcoming the move as a step toward inclusivity, while others express concerns about possible overlaps in union representation.

Education sector observers say the development may require further regulatory clarification to avoid conflicts between existing unions and the newly recognised body.

The Federal Government is expected to study the ruling and determine the next administrative steps regarding compliance and implementation.

The case highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s tertiary education labour system and the evolving nature of workers’ representation.