The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for swift intervention by the Sokoto State Government to address welfare and administrative concerns affecting lecturers in state-owned universities, warning that timely action is essential to sustain academic stability.
The appeal was made during a joint press conference held on Wednesday by ASUU branches at Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education, where the union outlined a series of unresolved issues affecting academic staff in both institutions.
ASUU stated that it had previously engaged university management and the state Ministry for Higher Education on the concerns and expressed optimism that ongoing discussions would yield positive outcomes if properly concluded.
The union explained that the issues raised are largely centred on staff welfare, institutional administration, and the efficient running of academic activities, adding that resolving them would strengthen cooperation between government and university workers.
Among the key concerns highlighted is the implementation of the 2025 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, particularly provisions relating to allowances for teaching and research duties. The union noted that while federal universities have begun implementation, similar steps are yet to be fully reflected at the state level.
ASUU also drew attention to pending Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) owed to lecturers in both institutions, covering recent academic sessions, and urged authorities to expedite payment to avoid further discontent within the system.
In addition, the union raised questions surrounding certain statutory deductions and cooperative contributions, calling for transparency and clarification from the relevant authorities to ensure accountability and trust.
The establishment of a Governing Council for Shehu Shagari University of Education was also identified as a pressing concern, with ASUU stressing that its absence affects proper institutional governance and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Other issues include delayed promotions, salary adjustments, and the implementation of annual increments, which the union said are critical to maintaining staff morale and productivity.
Despite its concerns, ASUU reaffirmed its commitment to industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic activities, while urging stakeholders—including traditional leaders and the wider public in Sokoto State—to support efforts aimed at resolving the challenges.
The union expressed confidence that continued dialogue and timely government intervention would help stabilise the universities and enhance the overall quality of higher education in the state.