The order, granted on November 10, 2026, permits designated police officers, under the supervision of an authorised court official, to remove chains, locks and other barriers preventing access to the university's premises.

The court also directed the police to ensure that only reasonable and necessary force is used in carrying out the order, which is intended to restore access to authorised members of staff and students.

The directive will remain effective pending the hearing of the substantive application or the interim order issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in suit number NICN/ABJ/329/2026.

The application was brought before the district court by the university's management and Governing Council, which sought judicial intervention to prevent the unions from blocking the entrance to the institution or restricting access to its facilities.

The affected unions are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), alongside their respective officials.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the Chairman of KASU's Governing Council, Ibrahim Umar, explained that the National Industrial Court in Abuja had earlier issued an interim injunction against the unions on November 5, 2026.

The order, which was formally issued under the court's seal on November 6, restrained the unions, their officials and representatives from commencing, encouraging or participating in any industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion before the court.

Umar stated that the university's management served the unions with the relevant court documents and the enrolled order at about 2:30 pm on November 9.

However, according to the affidavit, the unions proceeded with their industrial action despite being served with the court order and following discussions with the university's management.

He further alleged that members of the unions locked the university's main gates, offices and classrooms, preventing authorised staff and students from gaining access to the affected facilities.

The Governing Council chairman said the development had disrupted academic and administrative operations, making it necessary for the university to seek another court order to restore access to its premises.

The latest directive comes amid growing tensions over the industrial dispute, with the university management and the unions maintaining different positions on the outstanding welfare and employment-related issues.

The National Industrial Court had scheduled November 18, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice in the case involving the university and the three unions.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia