The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Sokoto State University (SSU) has started a five-day warning strike due to unpaid staff entitlements. The strike began on November 2, after a 14-working-day ultimatum issued to the Sokoto State Government expired. SSANU had been seeking payment of arrears from a 25 percent salary increment, implementation of the 35 percent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), and annual salary increments for eligible members.
According to SSANU, several attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue with the government proved unsuccessful. The union had held meetings with the Commissioner for Higher Education, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and the Deputy Governor. A committee was formed to engage university-based unions, but the outcome of a meeting on October 9 was deemed unsatisfactory by SSANU. The government stated that arrears from the salary increment would not be paid, and CONTTA implementation would start in January 2027.
SSANU rejected the government's position, insisting that CONTTA is a legitimate entitlement. The union noted that similar allowances were approved for academic staff under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other workers in state-owned tertiary institutions. SSANU resubmitted its demands following a request by the Permanent Secretary but received no concrete response before the ultimatum expired.
The union's demands also include payment of outstanding check-off dues. SSANU appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene and ensure a resolution to the dispute. The union called on traditional rulers, parents, students, and stakeholders to prevail on the government to address the issues before the warning strike escalates.
SSANU warned that if the demands are not addressed after the five-day warning strike, it may embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of services at the university. The strike has been jointly signed by SSANU chairman Ismail Bala Muhammed and secretary Mansur Ahmad. The union expressed regret over the impact on the university community and the general public.
The Sokoto State University chapter of SSANU is not the first to embark on industrial action over unpaid entitlements. Other university-based unions have also taken similar steps in the past. The Nigerian Tribune understands that the issue of unpaid salaries and allowances has been a recurring problem in many Nigerian universities.
As the warning strike continues, the university community and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for a resolution to the dispute. The outcome of the strike will determine the next course of action for SSANU and the Sokoto State Government.
Key points
- SSANU begins 5-day warning strike over unpaid staff entitlements at Sokoto State University
- The strike is over unpaid salaries, CONTTA, and annual salary increments for eligible members
- A total and indefinite shutdown of services may occur if demands are not addressed
