The Sokoto State Government has condemned the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto State University chapter, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
According to Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, the government has made significant progress in revitalizing the university since assuming office.
“When we came on board, Sokoto State University was in a terrible state, with no electricity, no water, and classrooms in disrepair. Despite all this, ASUU did not go on strike. But now, when we have begun making tangible improvements, they suddenly find reasons to down tools. Why?” Maishanu questioned.
The commissioner noted that the government has restored the institution’s infrastructure, reintroduced cash allocations, and ensured the payment of visiting lecturers’ salaries.
However, ASUU-SSU cited the non-implementation of the 25%-35% salary increment, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), and the poor condition of staff quarters as reasons for the strike.
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Maishanu clarified that the government has constituted a committee to address these concerns and has already begun working on resolving the issues.
“As soon as ASUU presented the salary increment issue, the Governor approved a committee to look into it. The committee has met twice, gathered relevant documents from other universities, and is currently finalizing its report. ASUU, as a body of intellectuals, should be patient rather than resort to strike action,” he said.
The commissioner also assured that the government is committed to resolving the issue of unpaid earned academic allowances and has already restored union dues and cooperative deductions withheld by the previous administration.
The state government maintained that education remains its top priority, with the sector receiving the largest share of the 2025 state budget. Governor Ahmed Aliyu has also appointed three professors to key positions in the education sector, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence.
Maishanu called on ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to the classrooms in the interest of students and the state. “This government will not allow any group to jeopardize the education of our children. ASUU should remain apolitical and avoid being used by unpatriotic individuals to destabilize our educational system,” he warned.
Source: Ripples
