The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has called on the governments of Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara to honor the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement to prevent a major industrial shutdown. Prof. Abubakar Sabo, the Zonal Coordinator, stated on Wednesday that members are prepared to launch an indefinite strike across five state-owned institutions if their requirements remain ignored.
Sabo highlighted that Kebbi state has failed to pay Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) for staff at the Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero, since 2014. He expressed frustration that despite the official presentation of the agreement in January 2026, state officials have shown little interest in compliance, leading to persistent delays and administrative inertia.
The union specifically identified the need to integrate allowances such as the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowances (CATA) and Professorial Allowances into standard monthly pay structures. While noting that several other states have already adopted the agreement, Sabo encouraged Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara to follow the example set by the Sokoto State Government to ensure university stability. The decision to strike was finalized during an Emergency National Executive Council session on June 21 at the University of Abuja.
Beyond immediate pay concerns, the union emphasized that the failure to address promotion arrears and legitimate deductions threatens to trigger a brain drain. Regarding specific institutions, the union acknowledged positive efforts by Katsina Governor Dikko Radda to maintain EAA payments, though they continue to seek resolution on minimum wage adjustments and long-standing promotion backlogs at Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT). Sabo concluded by urging state authorities to prioritize merit and transparency in all university leadership appointments.
