The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sokoto State University branch, led by Chairman Dr Bello Musa and Secretary Comrade Zulkallaini Shehu, has issued a firm two-week ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government to settle outstanding entitlements or face a disruptive industrial action.
The decision followed a congress of the union held on Tuesday, September 8, where members reviewed earlier resolutions and assessed the government’s response to long-standing financial obligations.
Also read: ASUU strikes at UNIZIK over unpaid August salaries
The move marks a critical point in the ASUU Sokoto strike threat, which could affect academic stability at the institution if unresolved.
Officials from the Sokoto State Ministry for Higher Education met with union representatives on September 7 and pledged to relay the demands to the Visitor and Governor of Sokoto State.
The ministry also assured that steps would be taken within the agreed timeframe, a commitment that offered a cautious sense of optimism during the meeting.
However, the union expressed reservations, pointing to a pattern of delayed or incomplete implementation of previous agreements.
Dr Bello Musa noted that arrangements reached as far back as March 4, 2024, and further discussions concluded on April 28, 2026, had yet to be fully honoured.
“Other components of the agreement have not been paid,” Dr Musa said, referring to outstanding Earned Academic Allowances, promotion arrears, salary increment arrears between 25 and 35 per cent, and unremitted third-party deductions.
While partial progress has been recorded, including the implementation of some salary components, the union described the effort as insufficient.
Sokoto State University was acknowledged as the first in Nigeria’s North-West region to initiate partial compliance, a development seen as encouraging but incomplete.
The union resolved to allow the two-week window in good faith, even as it warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger a comprehensive shutdown of academic activities, including lectures and statutory meetings.
The unfolding situation reflects a broader national pattern of strained relations between university staff unions and government authorities, often rooted in funding gaps and delayed policy implementation.
In recent years, similar disputes across Nigerian universities have led to prolonged disruptions, affecting thousands of students and academic calendars.
Comrade Zulkallaini Shehu emphasised the importance of timely intervention, urging stakeholders within Sokoto State to support efforts toward a sustainable resolution.
“We hope the government will honour its promise to avoid another disruption,” Comrade Shehu said.
Also read: ASUU strikes at UNIZIK over unpaid August salaries
As the deadline approaches, the ASUU Sokoto strike threat stands as a significant test of the state government’s commitment to higher education and labour agreements, with students and staff watching closely for a decisive outcome.
