The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Sokoto State University chapter, has directed its members to resume work on Monday, November 9. This decision was made to promote industrial harmony and give the Sokoto State Government another opportunity to resolve the ongoing dispute. The union had embarked on a five-working-day warning strike from November 2 to November 6.
The union has issued a fresh 14-working-day ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government to address all outstanding demands before November 27, 2026. If the government fails to meet these demands, the union warned that it would embark on a total and indefinite strike. The demands include the payment of outstanding arrears from the 25 per cent salary increase and approval and implementation of the 35 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance.
According to the union, the government has failed to approve and implement its demands despite several meetings, written submissions, and reminders to relevant officials. The association is also demanding the release of outstanding check-off dues owed to the union. These demands are considered legitimate as similar benefits have already been extended to comparable categories of workers at Sokoto State University and other state-owned tertiary institutions.
The union's chairman, Ismail Muhammed, and secretary, Mansur Ahmad, jointly signed a statement on Sunday, November 8, announcing the resumption of work and the fresh ultimatum. The statement emphasized that resuming work did not mean the union had withdrawn its demands. The union called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene personally and ensure the immediate approval and implementation of the outstanding entitlements.
The Ministry for Higher Education, relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, parents, students, and other stakeholders are also urged to help resolve the dispute before the ultimatum expires. The union expects concrete approvals, clear timelines for implementation, and full payment of outstanding entitlements, rather than further delays, promises, or partial responses.
The dispute between the union and the government has been ongoing, with the union arguing that the demands are necessary to address the welfare concerns of its members. The union's decision to resume work and issue a fresh ultimatum is seen as a move to put pressure on the government to meet its demands.
The outcome of the dispute remains uncertain, with the government yet to respond to the union's demands. The union's threat of a total and indefinite strike if the demands are not met by November 27, 2026, has raised concerns about the potential impact on the university's operations and the students.
Key points
- The union has given the Sokoto State Government 14 working days to meet its demands.
- The demands include payment of outstanding arrears and implementation of allowances.
- A total and indefinite strike may occur if the demands are not met by November 27, 2026.
