ASUU Sounds Alarm: Potential Strike Looms Over Welfare Issues in Sokoto Universities
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has cautioned of a potential strike in Sokoto State-owned higher education institutions due to deteriorating welfare conditions, urging immediate governmental action to prevent disruption of educational activities.
In a proclamation released on Wednesday, ASUU branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education stated that their members have faced long-standing neglect despite numerous appeals to officials.
The announcement, co-signed by ASUU-SSU Chairperson, Dr Bello Musa, and his colleague at SSUE, Dr Shamsu Kabiru, highlighted that unresolved welfare matters are already straining industrial peace and may soon interfere with teaching and research if not addressed promptly.
“These matters have persisted for an extended period despite multiple reminders. Resolving them will maintain the cooperative working relationship and boost productivity,” the union noted.
ASUU detailed key demands, including the prompt execution of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, particularly the disbursement of special allowances for teaching and research.
The union acknowledged that implementation has started in federal universities, urging the Sokoto State Government to take similar action.
It also insisted on the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, EAA, owed to educators for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years.
ASUU emphasized that instructors in state-run institutions should not be overlooked, particularly as salary structures are negotiated centrally within the nation’s framework.
The union cautioned that ongoing inaction could amplify dissatisfaction among educators and could potentially disrupt the academic timetable in both establishments.
This situation highlights the increasing tension within Sokoto’s higher education system, as academic unions escalate demands for enhanced funding, fair remuneration, and thorough execution of current agreements.
