From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sokoto State University chapter (ASUU-SSU) and the Shehu Shagari University of Education chapter (ASUU-SSUES) have appealed to the Sokoto State Government to address critical issues affecting the welfare of their members to ensure the smooth operation of the two universities.
The unions’ chairpersons, Bello Musa and Shamsu Kabiru, made the appeal while briefing newsmen at a joint press conference held at Sokoto State University on Wednesday.
They noted that the issues have persisted for some time despite a series of reminders sent to the offices of the Vice-Chancellors of both institutions and the Sokoto State Ministry for Higher Education, without any positive response.
According to them, addressing these issues will sustain a harmonious working relationship, warning that failure to do so may compel members to take action that could disrupt academic activities.
The unions listed their key demands to include the implementation of the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement, noting that both branches had already made submissions for its implementation, particularly the payment of peculiar allowances for teaching and research as captured in the agreement.
They pointed out that federal universities have implemented the package since January 2026 and urged the state government to follow suit.
On labour matters, the unions stressed that salaries and related issues are negotiated centrally, as stipulated in the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They further disclosed that the Sokoto State Government owes their members accumulated Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for two academic sessions — 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 for Sokoto State University, and 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 for Shehu Shagari University of Education.
Despite repeated reminders, the unions lamented that the outstanding payments remain unresolved and called on the government to settle them promptly.
The unions also raised concerns over the non-remittance of union deductions, stating that cooperative deductions and check-off dues deducted from members’ salaries since 2023 by the Sokoto State Ministry of Finance have not been remitted to the unions’ accounts.
On governance, the unions decried the absence of a Governing Council for Shehu Shagari University of Education since its establishment in 2023, describing it as a violation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003.
They emphasized that the Governing Council plays a crucial role in decision-making, including staff recruitment, promotions, financial oversight, admissions, and convocation.
Despite several letters urging the government to constitute the council, the unions said no action has been taken and called for its urgent establishment.
Other issues highlighted include outstanding promotion arrears for seven academic sessions in SSU and two sessions in SSUES; arrears of 25%/35% salary increase covering 14 months from January 2024 to February 2025; and the non-implementation of annual salary increments since 2020.
The unions called on stakeholders and well-meaning citizens of Sokoto State to intervene and urge the government to address their demands to maintain industrial harmony in the institutions.
They expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to ensure the efficient operation of the universities for the benefit of all.