The Sokoto State Government has strongly condemned the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sokoto State University chapter, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto on Friday, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu, expressed disappointment over the decision of ASUU-SSU to down tools despite what he described as significant progress made by the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration in revitalizing the university.
According to Maishanu, when the current administration assumed office, SSU was in a deplorable state, with dilapidated buildings, lack of electricity, and no functional water supply, all of which negatively impacted academic activities.
However, since taking over, the government has worked to restore the institution’s infrastructure and reintroduced cash allocations, which had been halted by the previous administration.
“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.
He further noted that under the past administration, visiting lecturers had abandoned the university due to non-payment of salaries.
However, the present government restored their payments, ensuring that academic activities continued smoothly.
“We expected ASUU to acknowledge these efforts, but instead, they have chosen confrontation over cooperation,” the commissioner stated.
Recall that ASUU-SSU, in a press statement on Thursday 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.
However, Maishanu clarified that the government had already constituted a committee to address these concerns.
“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.
On the issue of unpaid earned academic allowances, Maishanu assured that the matter was under review and that the government was committed to resolving it.
He also revealed that union dues and cooperative deductions, which were withheld by the previous administration, had already been restored.
“We have remitted all dues and deductions owed to ASUU since we assumed office. Yet, instead of engaging with us constructively, they have chosen to disrupt the academic calendar,” he lamented.
Regarding the poor condition of the staff quarters, Maishanu acknowledged the issue and disclosed that the government had already deployed a team of engineers to assess the situation and begin renovation work.
The state government maintained that education remains its top priority, evidenced by the fact that the sector received the largest share of the 2025 state budget.
“Additionally, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has appointed three professors to key positions in the education sector, further demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence”.
The commissioner, therefore, 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,” Maishanu warned.
Sokoto govt slams ASUU-SSU strike, says it’s politically motivated
