Strike Looms as ASUU Sokoto Varsities Warn Govt
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Lecturers at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education have issued a fresh ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government, warning that prolonged neglect of staff welfare could force a total shutdown of academic activities in both institutions.
The warning was contained in a joint press release signed Wednesday in Sokoto by Dr. Bello Musa, Chairperson of ASUU-SSU, and Dr. Shamsu Kabiru, Chairperson of ASUU-SSUES.
According to the statement, the two unions are making “an urgent plea for government intervention” to resolve critical issues they say have lingered “for quite some time” despite repeated reminders.
The union leaders disclosed that letters and appeals had been sent to the offices of the Vice-Chancellors of SSU and SSUES, as well as the Ministry for Higher Education, but no concrete action has been taken.
“Addressing these issues substantially will sustain the harmonious working relationship,” the statement read. “Failure to promptly address these demands may compel our members to take action which may disrupt the academic activities of these universities.”
The unions presented seven major demands. First is the full implementation of the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement, which covers peculiar allowances for teaching and research.
Dr. Musa and Dr. Kabiru pointed out that federal universities began implementing the package in January 2026.
They insisted that Sokoto State must follow suit, citing the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution which places labour matters under central negotiation.
The second demand is payment of Earned Academic Allowance. The government currently owes SSU lecturers for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, while SSUES lecturers are owed for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.
“Despite repeated reminders, the outstanding payment remains unresolved,” the chairs stated. They described the debt as a major source of frustration for members.
Thirdly, the unions accused the Ministry of Finance of withholding union funds since 2023. Cooperative deductions and check-off dues taken from lecturers’ salaries have not been remitted to ASUU’s accounts.
The fourth issue concerns governance at SSUES. The university has operated without a Governing Council since it was established in 2023, a situation the union says breaches the Universities Act 2003.
Dr. Kabiru and Dr. Musa explained that the Governing Council is central to recruitment, promotions, financial approvals, admissions, and convocation. They urged the state to constitute the council without further delay.
Fifth on the list are unpaid promotion arrears. ASUU-SSU members are owed for seven academic sessions, while ASUU-SSUES members are owed for two sessions.
The sixth demand covers arrears of the 25%/35% salary award approved nationally. The unions said Sokoto lecturers are owed 14 months, from January 2024 to February 2025.
Seventh, the statement decried the non-implementation of annual salary increments in both universities since 2020.
In their closing appeal, Dr. Bello Musa and Dr. Shamsu Kabiru called on stakeholders and “well-meaning Sakkwatawa” to intervene and prevail on the Sokoto State Government.
“It is our prayer and hope that the Sokoto State Government will address these demands to ensure the university’s efficient operation for the well-being of our members,” the statement concluded.
