Sokoto: ASUU warns of potential strike in varsities over welfare crisis

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as warned of a possible strike in Sokoto State-owned tertiary institutions over unresolved welfare issues.

The union’s branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education said members have faced prolonged neglect despite repeated appeals.

The warning was contained in a joint statement signed by ASUU-SSU chairperson Bello Musa and SSUE chairman Shamsu Kabiru.

The union said unresolved welfare concerns are already affecting industrial harmony.

It said: “These issues have lingered for too long despite several reminders… addressing them will sustain the harmonious working relationship and enhance productivity.”

ASUU listed key demands, including the immediate implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, particularly the payment of allowances for teaching and research.

The union said the Federal Government has begun implementation in federal universities and urged Sokoto State to follow suit.

It also demanded the payment of Earned Academic Allowances owed for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

ASUU said lecturers in state institutions should not be excluded, noting that salary structures are centrally negotiated.

The union warned that failure to act could lead to disruption of academic activities in the affected institutions.

Rising tensions across Nigeria’s higher education sector have been linked to demands for improved funding and full implementation of agreements between government and university lecturers.