The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating welfare conditions at Sokoto’s state-owned tertiary institutions, urging government action to prevent potential disruptions to academic activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the union’s branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education highlighted that their members have faced prolonged neglect, despite repeated appeals to the authorities.
The statement jointly signed by ASUU-SSU chairperson, Dr Bello Musaand his counterpart from SSUE, Dr Shamsu Kabiru, stressed that unresolved welfare issues are already straining industrial harmony and could soon cripple 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 statement noted.
ASUU outlined two major demands which includes, immediate implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement, including payment of peculiar allowances for teaching and research.
The union pointed out that the federal government has already begun implementation at federal universities, urging Sokoto State to follow suit.
“Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) owed to lecturers for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, which remain unpaid”.
The union emphasized that lecturers in state institutions should not be sidelined, especially as salary structures are centrally negotiated under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
ASUU warned that continued inaction could deepen discontent among lecturers and potentially disrupt the academic calendar in both institutions.
The statement signals rising tension within Sokoto’s higher education system, as unions across Nigeria increasingly push for improved funding, fair compensation, and implementation of existing agreements.
Observers say the state government’s response in the coming days could determine whether the situation escalates into industrial action.
