Sokoto varsity SSANU resumes work, gives fresh 14-day ultimatum

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University (SSU) Chapter, has announced the resumption of work on Monday, November 9, while issuing a fresh 14-working-day ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government to address its outstanding welfare demands.

The union warned that failure by the government to meet its demands before November 27, 2026, would compel it to embark on a total and indefinite strike.

SSANU announced the decision in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ismail Muhammed, and Secretary, Mansur Ahmad, on Sunday.

The resumption followed the expiration of the union’s five-working-day warning strike, which commenced on November 2 and ended on November 6.

The union said its decision to resume work was a demonstration of goodwill and commitment to industrial harmony, while giving the government another opportunity to resolve the dispute.

It, however, cautioned that the resumption should not be mistaken for an abandonment of its demands.

“Congress has resolved to resume work with effect from Monday, November 9, 2026, while issuing a fresh 14-working-day ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government to address all outstanding demands before November 27, 2026,” the statement said.

The association explained that the warning strike was necessitated by the government’s failure to approve and implement its demands despite repeated engagements, written submissions, reminders and meetings with relevant government officials.

Among the outstanding demands are the payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increment, approval and implementation of the 35 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), and payment of annual salary increments to eligible members.

Others include the release of outstanding check-off dues belonging to the union.

SSANU maintained that the demands were legitimate and consistent with entitlements already extended to comparable categories of workers at Sokoto State University, Shehu Shagari University of Education and other state-owned tertiary institutions.

The union called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu to personally intervene in the matter and direct the immediate approval and implementation of the outstanding entitlements.

It also appealed to the Ministry for Higher Education, relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to facilitate an amicable resolution before the expiration of the ultimatum.

The statement stressed that the union expected concrete approvals, clear implementation timelines and full settlement of outstanding claims rather than further delays, promises or partial responses.

“Failure to address these demands within the stipulated period will leave the union with no option but to embark on a total and indefinite strike,” it warned.

SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to quality university education, staff welfare and industrial peace, urging the state government to seize the opportunity provided by the fresh ultimatum to resolve the dispute and prevent another disruption of university activities.