Why workers’ education matters now more than ever — Dr. Muttaqa

In this interview with CHRISTIAN APPOLOS, the NLC’s Head of Education, Dr. Muttaqa Yusha’u Abdulra’uf,  explains why workers’ education has become more critical in an era of economic uncertainty, digitalisation, climate change and changing workplace realities. He also outlines plans to strengthen workers’ education through revitalised labour schools, study circles and expanded skills training. The excerpts:

The theme of this year’s Rain School is quite catchy. Why the choice?

This is the 22nd edition of the NLC Rain School, and every edition is organised around issues that are critical to working people. As Nigeria moves towards another general election, it is important for workers to understand that politics determines how national resources are allocated and, ultimately, how the wealth created by workers is distributed. Questions around wages, pensions, healthcare, education, transportation, housing and social protection are all influenced by political decisions. That is why workers must become more politically conscious and actively engage in the democratic process. The Rain School provides an opportunity to deepen that consciousness. It also allows us to engage workers on the NLC’s Charter of Demands, which outlines the expectations of Nigerian workers from those seeking public office. At a time when workers’ purchasing power has been severely eroded by economic reforms, rising inflation and the high cost of living, it is only appropriate that they critically assess candidates based on their commitment to addressing workers’ concerns, irrespective of political affiliation.

Beyond elections, we also want workers to appreciate their collective strength. Organised labour possesses both associational and structural power because workers create the wealth of every nation. Our challenge is to ensure that workers recognise this power and use it to influence public policy and governance.

Beyond this year’s theme, what impact has the Rain School made over the years?

The Rain School has played a significant role in building the capacity of trade union leaders and members across the country. It is structured around key areas such as leadership, organising and gender. Through these modules, participants acquire practical knowledge on collective bargaining, union administration, accountability, transparency, organising strategies and gender-sensitive workplace policies.

ALSO READ: Placenta: Where culture meets science

Many union leaders serving today passed through the Rain School at different stages of their careers. The programme has therefore contributed immensely to strengthening leadership within the labour movement. It has also helped unions respond to emerging workplace realities, particularly in organising workers in the informal economy, which now accounts for a substantial proportion of Nigeria’s workforce.

As Head of Education, what is your vision for expanding the impact of the Rain School?

Only a small fraction of Nigerian workers can attend the national Rain School each year. We may train between 200 and 300 participants, but millions of workers remain outside that opportunity. Our priority is, therefore, to ensure that those who attend do not keep the knowledge to themselves. We encourage them to cascade what they have learnt within their unions, workplaces and branches.

We are also working to revive state labour schools so that workers’ education is no longer concentrated at the national level. If every state council organises similar programmes after the Rain School, the impact will be far greater. Another important initiative is the introduction of workplace study circles, where workers regularly meet to discuss labour issues using structured educational materials. Learning should not be limited to an annual event; it should become a continuous process within workplaces.

We have also established a database of participants to enable regular follow-up after every Rain School. We want to know how participants are applying what they learnt and how they are sharing that knowledge with other workers.

The overall objective is to create a strong synergy between the national Rain School, state labour schools and affiliate unions so that workers’ education reaches far more people than it currently does.

Trade union education has always been regarded as the backbone of organised labour. Given today’s challenges, how important is workers’ education?

Education is the foundation of effective trade unionism. Like every profession, trade unionism has principles, laws and practices that must be understood before anyone can function effectively. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a gradual decline in trade union consciousness. Many workers no longer fully understand what trade unionism represents or the rights available to them. That is why workers’ education matters now more than ever.

Industrial relations are fundamentally a relationship of power. Employers often have greater financial resources and access to professional expertise. Workers can only engage effectively when they possess knowledge. Trade union leaders must understand labour law, industrial relations systems, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, international labour standards and union administration. Without that knowledge, they cannot negotiate effectively on behalf of their members. Education also enables unions to negotiate with evidence. Successful collective bargaining is not based on emotions but on facts, research and a proper understanding of established procedures.

Beyond these traditional areas, the world of work is changing rapidly. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, climate change and labour migration are transforming employment across sectors. Trade unions must understand these developments so they can negotiate fair outcomes for workers, including reskilling, upskilling and Just Transition measures where jobs are threatened.

Globalisation has equally increased outsourcing, subcontracting and other forms of precarious employment. These changes present new organising challenges that require knowledge and innovation. That is why we always remind workers that if you are not informed, you will be deformed; if you are deformed, you cannot perform; and if you cannot perform, you eventually expire. Education is therefore not optional. It is the backbone of a strong labour movement.

Despite institutions like the Rain School and Harmattan School, there appears to be a decline in trade union education and workers’ consciousness. Why are unions paying less attention to educating their members?

One major reason is that some unions no longer give education the priority it deserves. In the past, prospective leaders rose through the ranks, beginning at branch level before progressing to the state and national levels. Along the way, they were exposed to rigorous trade union education and developed a solid understanding of the philosophy and values of the labour movement. Today, that process has weakened in some cases. As a result, some leaders assume office without passing through the same level of training, and they may not attach the same importance to educating their members.

The changing nature of the economy has also contributed. The decline of large manufacturing industries has reduced union density and, by extension, the financial capacity of many unions to invest in education. Consequently, much of the responsibility for workers’ education has shifted to the Nigeria Labour Congress, while educational activities at branch and state levels have diminished. Yet, trade union education is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without knowledge, unions cannot effectively defend workers’ rights, negotiate better conditions of service or engage employers from an informed position.

It appears many union leaders have forgotten the importance of educating and equipping their members. As Head of Education, what is your message to leaders of trade unions and NLC affiliates?

My appeal is for unions to return to the founding principles of the labour movement, where workers’ education occupied a central place. Education requires investment. Resources may be limited, but whatever is available should be deployed strategically because every investment in workers’ education ultimately strengthens the union itself. Every affiliate should have functional education structures, dedicated education departments and competent educators who understand the realities of trade unionism. Education should not be treated as an occasional activity but as a continuous process running from the branch to the national level. At the same time, unions should avoid what I describe as training merchants—people who market generic training programmes that consume scarce resources without addressing the real needs of workers. Every training programme should begin with a proper assessment of members’ needs and should strengthen the union’s capacity to organise, bargain and defend workers’ rights. Our priority should be to build strong organisations that can effectively engage employers within established industrial relations processes while organising more workers into the labour movement.

You also spoke about organising more workers. Why is this becoming increasingly important?

Education and organising go together. If we fail to organise, unions will continue losing membership while increasing numbers of workers remain trapped in vulnerable and precarious employment.

There are enormous opportunities in sectors that remain largely under-organised, including private security, hospitality, retail, domestic work, private education, the creative industry and parts of the financial sector.

Many young graduates working in private schools, for example, earn below the national minimum wage. Domestic workers also deserve greater protection. The relevant unions should deliberately organise these workers and defend their interests.

Trade unions must also become more attractive to young people and women because they represent the future of employment in Nigeria. If young workers do not see hope in the labour movement, succession within unions will become increasingly difficult.

You suggested that every naira invested in workers’ education is money well spent. Why do you hold that view?

Education is both a survival strategy and an organising tool.

Take the Textile Workers’ Union. Although the textile industry has declined significantly, the union has remained relevant because it consistently invested in educating its members and expanding its organising efforts into related value chains.

Knowledge helps workers understand their rights, strengthens collective bargaining and equips unions to respond to emerging challenges.

Trade union education teaches members about industrial relations, collective bargaining, labour law and union administration. Worker education goes beyond the workplace to include financial literacy, lifelong learning and practical skills that prepare workers for life after retirement.

Both dimensions are important because the workplace is changing rapidly. Continuous learning enables workers to remain productive and relevant throughout their careers.

Is the Rain School currently providing all these forms of education?

Not entirely. At present, the Rain School focuses mainly on core trade union education. However, one important outcome of this year’s discussions is the recognition that workers also need practical skills beyond traditional industrial relations.

Going forward, we intend to broaden our educational programmes to include vocational and other livelihood skills that will better prepare workers for the changing world of work.

That is one of the reasons the Harmattan School was established. While the Rain School is largely thematic, the Harmattan School provides more practical, skills-based training. We intend to strengthen that component so workers acquire competencies that complement their trade union education.

What gives you hope about the future of the labour movement?

I remain optimistic because organised labour still possesses enormous collective strength.

Workers create the wealth of this country and, through their unions, they have the power to influence positive change. The challenge is to deepen workers’ consciousness through continuous education and effective organising.

If unions deliberately invest in educating their members, organise workers in emerging sectors and prepare them for the changing world of work, the labour movement will remain relevant and continue to defend the interests of working people.

Workers’ education is not simply about running courses or organising seminars. It is about building informed leaders, confident members and stronger unions capable of responding to today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. That is why it matters now more than ever.