The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at Sokoto State University has issued a clear two-week deadline to the Sokoto State Government to settle outstanding entitlements owed to its members. Failure to do so, the union warned, could lead to industrial action that disrupts academic activities at the institution.
The position was reached at a union congress held on 8 September 2026. Members reviewed an earlier resolution from 24 August and evaluated the government’s response so far on unpaid benefits.
According to a press release signed by ASUU-SSU Chairman Bello Musa, PhD, and Secretary Comrade Zulkallaini Shehu, representatives met with the Ministry for Higher Education on 7 September.
During that discussion, the parties agreed that the outstanding demands would be addressed within two weeks. The ministry indicated it would convey the issues to the Visitor and the Governor of Sokoto State.
ASUU-SSU noted the agreement but expressed caution based on previous experiences in which commitments were not fully kept. The union pointed out that several of its concerns date back to earlier understandings, including an agreement with the government on 4 March 2024 and further discussions through the Ministry for Higher Education on 28 April 2026 that touched on the ASUU/FGN Agreement 2025 and related matters.
RELATED POSTS: Education Minister Tunji Alausa Warns National Library Contractors Over Persistent Delays
The government has partially implemented the salary component of the relevant agreement. Sokoto State University was recognised as the first institution in the North-West geopolitical zone to take this step. However, the union stated that other elements remain unpaid. These include Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), remittances of third-party deductions, promotion arrears, arrears linked to the 25–35% salary component, and accumulated annual increment arrears.
Despite reservations, the congress decided to accept the latest government timeline and allow the two-week period for concrete action.
The union cautioned that if the promises are not met after the two weeks expire, it would embark on action capable of disrupting academic activities, including statutory meetings involving its members.
ASUU-SSU also appealed to the people of Sokoto State to encourage the government to honour its commitments. The branch said it remains hopeful that fulfilment of the latest assurances will help maintain a peaceful and productive environment at the university and avoid further interruptions to teaching and learning.
This development forms part of the broader pattern of engagement between ASUU branches and state governments over the domestication and implementation of the 2025 federal agreement and related welfare issues in state-owned universities.
Staff welfare, timely payment of entitlements, and industrial harmony continue to be central to the stability of academic calendars across many Nigerian institutions.
Post a Comment