SSANU Threatens Indefinite Strike, Gives Sokoto Govt Until November 27
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University SSU Chapter, has threatened to embark on a total and indefinite strike if the Sokoto State Government fails to address its outstanding welfare demands by 27 November 2026.
The union, however, announced that its members would resume work on Monday, November 9 following the conclusion of its five-working-day warning strike.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ismail Bala Muhammed, and Secretary, Mansur Ahmad, on Sunday, SSANU said it had issued a fresh 14-working-day ultimatum to the state government to resolve the lingering issues affecting its members.
The warning strike, which commenced on November 2, ended on November 6, prompting the union to direct its members to return to work while allowing the government another opportunity to address their grievances.
According to the statement, the decision to resume work reflects the union’s willingness to maintain industrial peace and prevent further disruption of activities at the university.
SSANU said the renewed ultimatum followed consultations and a resolution reached by its Congress, stressing that the government must demonstrate genuine commitment through concrete actions towards fulfilling the outstanding obligations.
The union attributed its industrial action to the government’s continued failure to approve and implement its demands despite several engagements, formal communications, reminders and meetings with relevant officials.
Its demands include the payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increase, approval and implementation of the 35 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), and the payment of annual salary increments to eligible staff.
It also called for the immediate release of outstanding check-off dues withheld from the union.
The association argued that the demands were legitimate, noting that similar entitlements had already been extended to comparable categories of workers at Sokoto State University, Shehu Shagari University of Education and other state-owned tertiary institutions.
It therefore appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene personally and ensure that the outstanding entitlements were approved and fully implemented.
The union also urged the Ministry for Higher Education, relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to support efforts towards resolving the dispute before the ultimatum expires.
It cautioned that the resumption of work should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of its demands, insisting that the government must provide tangible approvals, definite implementation schedules and full payment of outstanding entitlements.
SSANU warned that any further delay, unfulfilled assurances or partial implementation would leave it with no option but to embark on a total and indefinite strike.
The union reiterated its commitment to staff welfare, quality university education, industrial harmony and the peaceful resolution of labour disputes.
