The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University chapter, has shut down services at the institution following the commencement of a five-working-day warning strike over unresolved staff entitlements.

The union warned that it would embark on an indefinite strike if the Sokoto State Government failed to address its demands before the warning action expires.

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The industrial action began on Monday, November 2, after the expiration of a 14-working-day ultimatum issued to the state government on October 14.

In a statement jointly signed by the chapter’s Chairman, Ismail Bala Muhammed, and Secretary, Mansur Ahmad, SSANU said the strike followed unsuccessful attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue and engagements with government officials.

The union said repeated appeals and consultations had not produced concrete action on its members’ demands.

Among its major demands are the payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increment, approval and implementation of the 35 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, annual salary increments for eligible members and the release of outstanding check-off dues.

SSANU disclosed that it had previously engaged the Commissioner for Higher Education, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and the Deputy Governor in an effort to settle the dispute amicably.

It added that the state government subsequently established a committee to engage university-based unions from Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education.

However, at a meeting held on October 9, the government reportedly maintained that arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increment would not be paid.

It also stated that implementation of the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance would begin in January 2027, subject to budgetary provision.

The union rejected the position, insisting that it did not adequately address the concerns of its members.

SSANU also argued that the 35 per cent allowance was a legitimate entitlement, noting that similar allowances had been approved for academic staff under the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other categories of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions.

The association appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to personally intervene by approving its outstanding demands to prevent the dispute from escalating.

It also called on traditional institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to help facilitate an amicable resolution.

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The union warned that failure by the government to meet its demands before the end of the five-working-day warning strike would leave it with no option but to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of services at the university.