The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning over worsening welfare conditions in Sokoto State-owned tertiary institutions. The union, therefore, called for immediate government intervention to prevent a looming disruption of academic activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education decried what they described as prolonged neglect. They noted that repeated appeals to authorities have yielded no meaningful results.
Pressure Mounts as Welfare Issues Persist
According to the union, the situation has become increasingly untenable. As a result, unresolved welfare concerns are now straining morale and weakening productivity.
The statement, jointly signed by ASUU-SSU chairperson, Dr. Bello Musa, and SSUE chairperson, Dr. Shamsu Kabiru, underscored the urgency of the situation.
“These issues have lingered for too long despite several reminders… addressing them will sustain the harmonious working relationship and enhance productivity,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the union warned that continued inaction could erode industrial harmony across both institutions.
Key Demands: Allowances and Policy Compliance
At the centre of ASUU’s demands is the immediate implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement. This includes, in particular, the payment of peculiar allowances tied to teaching and research responsibilities.
Notably, the union pointed out that the Federal Government has already commenced implementation in federal universities. Consequently, it urged the Sokoto State Government to align with this standard without delay.
In addition, ASUU called for the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
“Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) owed to lecturers for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, which remain unpaid”
The union also stressed that lecturers in state institutions should not be excluded. This is especially critical, it noted, as salary structures are centrally negotiated within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Rising Tension Signals Risk to Academic Calendar
Meanwhile, tension continues to escalate within Sokoto’s higher education sector. The union cautioned that persistent neglect could deepen dissatisfaction among academic staff.
If unresolved, this could disrupt teaching, research, and the broader academic calendar in both institutions.
More broadly, the development reflects growing agitation across Nigeria’s university system. Increasingly, academic unions are demanding improved funding, fair compensation, and strict adherence to agreements.
Observers, therefore, believe the Sokoto State Government’s response will be decisive. Prompt action could restore stability, while further delay may trigger industrial action.
Ultimately, the coming days will determine whether dialogue prevails or disruption becomes unavoidable.