The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University branch, has defended its five-day warning strike, rejecting allegations by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M.B. Yerima, that the union failed to follow due process.
The branch chairman, Isma’il Bala Muhammad, said in a statement issued on Friday that the union followed the required procedures before commencing the industrial action over unpaid entitlements.
Muhammad said SSANU first submitted its demands to the Vice-Chancellor, after which a university committee verified the claims before they were forwarded to the Sokoto State Government through the Ministry for Higher Education.
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He said the union subsequently held several meetings with the ministry and issued a 14-day ultimatum before embarking on the strike.
According to him, the Vice-Chancellor was fully briefed on the engagements, while the decision to proceed with the strike was unanimously endorsed by members at a congress.
The chairman also dismissed allegations that the strike was politically motivated or aimed at sabotaging the university, describing the claims as unfounded.
He said SSANU members had contributed significantly to the development of the university since its formative years, including efforts to attract qualified professionals to the institution.
Muhammad further defended the academic and administrative contributions of SSANU members, noting that they possess qualifications ranging from National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
He also rejected the description of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the “mother union” in the university, saying both associations were sister unions.
The SSANU chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the progress and stability of Sokoto State University, but said members would continue to demand the protection of their legitimate rights and welfare.
SSANU commenced the five-day warning strike on November 2, 2026, over its demands for payment of outstanding entitlements.
