ASUU Sokoto Threatens University Shutdown Over Allowances

The Sokoto chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a warning regarding a potential shutdown of universities due to the state government's failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. During a press conference on Wednesday, zonal coordinator Prof. Abubakar Sabo highlighted the government's lack of action on outstanding welfare debts, which could trigger an industrial crisis affecting universities.

He noted that despite the public announcement of the 2025 agreement in January, there has been no progress due to bureaucratic delays and a lack of willingness to implement the agreement. Key unimplemented components include the mainstream consolidation of academic allowances, monthly salary structures, and the payment of arrears dating back to 2014.

Prof. Sabo also mentioned that six to thirty-two months of arrears remain unpaid, with a wage award of 35,000 Naira due by October 2023. He urged the state government to address these issues to prevent a brain drain and maintain academic dignity.