SSANU Sokoto State University: Initiates 5-Day Warning Strike, Refutes VC Claims

• The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University Branch, began a five-day warning strike on November 2, 2026, over unpaid staff entitlements.
• SSANU Chairman Isma’il Bala Muhammad refuted Vice-Chancellor Professor M.B. Yerima’s claims that the union failed to follow due process, asserting all procedures were observed.
• The union stated it exhausted dialogue, involved a VC-constituted committee, engaged the state government, and issued a 14-day ultimatum before striking.
• SSANU rejected allegations of political motivation and emphasized its historical contributions and the diverse qualifications of its members.
• The union reiterated its commitment to industrial harmony but insisted that addressing worker welfare is critical for the university's stability.

Despite the ongoing dispute with the university management, SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering industrial harmony and contributing to the overall development of the institution, while insisting that addressing outstanding worker entitlements remains crucial for the stability and effective administration of the university.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University Branch, initiated a five-day warning strike on November 2, 2026. This industrial action was undertaken to protest the non-payment of members' entitlements and other outstanding welfare-related demands. The union's decision has led to a public disagreement with the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor M.B. Yerima, who has reportedly accused SSANU of failing to adhere to established procedures before commencing the strike.

Isma’il Bala Muhammad, the Branch Chairman of SSANU at Sokoto State University, issued a press statement on Friday in Sokoto, directly refuting the Vice-Chancellor's claims. Muhammad asserted that the union's industrial action followed all necessary due process, contrary to the allegations of procedural lapses. He also dismissed suggestions that the strike was politically motivated or designed to undermine the university administration, characterizing such claims as baseless attempts to divert attention from the legitimate welfare issues raised by the union.

According to Muhammad, the decision to embark on the warning strike was not arbitrary but a last resort after exhausting multiple avenues for resolution. He detailed a series of engagements, beginning with the formal presentation of the union's demands to the university management. Following this, the Vice-Chancellor himself established a committee tasked with examining and verifying the issues put forth by SSANU.

Upon verification, these demands were then escalated to the Sokoto State Government through the Ministry for Higher Education, leading to several meetings between the union and the ministry. When these extensive engagements failed to yield the desired resolution, SSANU issued a 14-day ultimatum. Muhammad emphasized that Professor M.B. Yerima was fully aware of every step taken by the union throughout this process. Furthermore, the industrial action received unanimous approval from the union's members during a congress, underscoring that the decision was not made by the leadership alone. This meticulous adherence to industrial action due process Nigeria is central to SSANU's defense against the Vice-Chancellor's accusations.

Beyond the immediate dispute over Sokoto State University staff entitlements, SSANU's leadership also addressed broader perceptions of the union and its role. Muhammad highlighted SSANU's significant contributions to the establishment, growth, and development of Sokoto State University, particularly during its formative years when members were instrumental in attracting qualified professionals to strengthen the institution. He also challenged any attempts to diminish the intellectual and professional standing of SSANU members, pointing out their diverse academic qualifications, which include PhDs, master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, Higher National Diplomas, and National Diplomas.

The union chairman also rejected the notion that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) holds a superior position or is the "mother union" within the institution. He clarified that both ASUU and SSANU are "sister unions," each possessing distinct responsibilities and interests, and that no union should be portrayed as superior or used to undermine the contributions of other workers to the university's development. Despite the ongoing dispute with the university management, SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering industrial harmony and contributing to the overall development of the institution, while insisting that addressing outstanding worker entitlements remains crucial for the stability and effective administration of the university. This perspective is vital for understanding university labor relations Nigeria.

For lawyers advising universities, public sector employers, or unions in Nigeria, this case underscores the critical importance of following established industrial relations procedures (dialogue, ultimatums) to legitimize industrial action or defend against claims of arbitrary strikes. It also highlights the legal and reputational risks associated with non-payment of staff entitlements and the need for robust internal dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent escalation to strikes.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH