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

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Sokoto State University Chapter, has announced the resumption of work on Monday, November 9, 2026, while issuing a fresh 14-working-day ultimatum to the Sokoto State Government.

The decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Ismail Bala Muhammed, and Secretary, Mansur Ahmad, on Sunday, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE RESUMPTION

The union said the decision to resume work followed the expiration of its five-working-day warning strike, which began on November 2 and ended on November 6 .

It described the resumption as a demonstration of goodwill and commitment to industrial harmony, while providing the government another opportunity to address the grievances of its members.

It said the fresh ultimatum followed consultations and a resolution of Congress, urging the state government to take concrete and verifiable steps towards implementing the outstanding entitlements .

THE DEMANDS

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

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

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

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

THE WARNING

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

It stressed that the resumption of work should not be interpreted as an abandonment of its demands, but rather as an opportunity for the government to resolve the dispute and prevent further disruption to academic activities.

SSANU further emphasised that it expected concrete approvals, clear implementation timelines and full settlement of the outstanding claims rather than further delays, promises or partial responses.

It warned that failure by the government to meet the demands before November 27, 2026, would leave it with no option but to embark on a total and indefinite strike.

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Why It Matters

The 14-day window is a countdown.If the Sokoto State Government addresses the union’s demands, academic activities at the university will continue uninterrupted.

If it does not, SSANU will shut down the institution indefinitely.

For the students, the stakes are high. Another strike means another disruption to their academic calendar.

For the government, the ultimatum is a test of its commitment to workers’ welfare.

And for the union, the resumption is a tactical retreat, not a surrender.The clock is ticking. November 27 is the deadline. And the fate of Sokoto State University hangs in the balance. ValidViewNetwork reports.