ASUU issues fresh strike threat over unmet demands by FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has issued fresh strike warning that Nigerian universities may soon be plunged into another round of industrial action following the Federal Government’s alleged failure to honour agreements and address lingering issues affecting the sector.

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto on Thursday, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Abubakar Sabo, accused the government of insincerity, neglect, and making “empty promises” despite years of dialogue.

Among the grievances listed were the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, withheld three and a half months’ salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, outstanding wage increases of 25–35 percent, and inadequate funding of universities.

“The government has eroded our trust. It must act swiftly to avert industrial action. Time is running out,” Prof. Sabo declared.

The union also rejected the newly introduced Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), describing it as a “poisoned chalice” designed to further impoverish lecturers. “We don’t need loans. We need government to sign our renegotiated agreement and pay our legitimate entitlements,” the Coordinator said.

ASUU further faulted the Federal Government for licensing more private universities while placing a moratorium on new public ones. “With 339 universities nationwide, spreading scarce resources thinly is meaningless and wasteful. Past and present administrations should cover their faces in shame,” Prof. Sabo remarked.

The plight of retired professors also came under focus, with the union lamenting that some who served for over 40 years earn as little as ₦150,000 monthly under the contributory pension scheme. “This is unacceptable and cruel. Many are battling chronic illnesses on this meagre sum,” ASUU stated.

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Highlighting specific challenges within its zone, the union noted that Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) is still owed promotion arrears and unremitted deductions. Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) and Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) are operating without enabling laws, while the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (FUAZ) is yet to receive a take-off grant.

Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto (SSUES) has never had a governing council, while Sokoto State University (SSU) and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA) continue to grapple with unpaid dues and arrears. At Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina (UMYUK), the approved 25–35 percent wage increase has yet to be implemented.

Despite two years of industrial peace, ASUU said its members’ patience has been exhausted. “Our tanks are empty. We cannot continue indefinitely. Unless the government acts, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed,” Prof. Sabo warned.

The union urged the National Assembly, traditional rulers, students, and other stakeholders to intervene and press the government to act, warning that another strike would cripple the already fragile university system.

TRIBUNEONLINE