Sokoto varsity SSANU resumes work, issues fresh ultimatum
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Sokoto State University has announced that its members will return to work on Monday, November 9. This decision follows a five-day warning strike that commenced on November 2 and concluded on November 6.
In a statement released on Sunday, SSANU’s Chairman Ismail Muhammed and Secretary Mansur Ahmad emphasized that the resumption of work is accompanied by a renewed 14-working-day ultimatum for the Sokoto State Government to address its outstanding demands. The government has until November 27, 2026, to respond, or the union has warned it will initiate a total and indefinite strike.
While members will return to their duties, SSANU reiterated that this should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of their demands. The union has raised several issues with the government, including the payment of arrears related to a 25 percent salary increase, the approval and implementation of a 35 percent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, and annual salary increments for eligible staff. Additionally, SSANU is seeking the release of outstanding check-off dues owed to the union.
The warning strike was prompted by the government’s failure to meet these demands despite multiple meetings and written submissions to relevant officials. SSANU argues that its requests are valid, as comparable entitlements have been granted to similar staff at Sokoto State University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, and other state-owned tertiary institutions.
In the statement, SSANU called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene directly to expedite the approval and implementation of the demands. The union also urged the Ministry for Higher Education and other stakeholders, including traditional institutions, parents, and students, to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing disputes before the expiration of the ultimatum.
The association is looking for concrete approvals and timelines for implementation, emphasizing that they seek full payment of outstanding entitlements and not further delays or partial responses.
