ASUU warns of strike in Sokoto varsities over welfare crisis

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has warned of a possible strike in Sokoto State-owned tertiary institutions over worsening welfare conditions, calling for urgent government intervention to avert disruption of academic activities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ASUU branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education said their members have endured prolonged neglect despite repeated appeals to authorities.

The statement, jointly signed by ASUU-SSU Chairperson, Dr Bello Musa, and his counterpart at SSUE, Dr Shamsu Kabiru, noted that unresolved welfare issues are already straining industrial harmony and could soon disrupt teaching and research if left unaddressed.

“These issues have lingered for too long despite several reminders. Addressing them will sustain the harmonious working relationship and enhance productivity,” the union said.

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

The union noted that implementation has commenced in federal universities, urging the Sokoto State Government to follow suit.

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

ASUU stressed that lecturers in state-owned institutions should not be sidelined, especially as salary structures are centrally negotiated within the country’s framework.

The union warned that continued inaction could deepen discontent among lecturers and potentially disrupt the academic calendar in both institutions.

The development underscores rising tension within Sokoto’s higher education system, as academic unions intensify calls for improved funding, fair compensation, and full implementation of existing agreements.