By Stephen Simon
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 expiration of the warning action.
The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, November 2, followed 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 decision followed unsuccessful attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue and consultations with government officials.
The union is demanding 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 release of outstanding check-off dues.
It said the state government had previously maintained that arrears arising from the salary increment would not be paid, while implementation of the non-teaching tools allowance would commence in January 2027, subject to budgetary provisions.
However, SSANU rejected the position, insisting that the government’s response failed to address the legitimate demands of its members.
The union appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene personally to prevent the dispute from escalating.
It also called on traditional institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to help resolve the disagreement.
The association warned that failure to meet its demands within the five-day warning period would result in an indefinite shutdown of services at the university.
