ASUU Threatens Strike over Unresolved Grievances at Sule Lamido University

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, has warned of an imminent strike if the Federal Government and state authorities fail to address long-standing grievances.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, 26 August, at the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences Lecture Theatre, ASUU leaders expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s refusal to sign the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, which was submitted in February.

Union chairperson, Mustapha Hussaini, told journalists that members viewed the delay as “a deliberate attempt to push ASUU into another industrial action”.

“If the scheduled government meeting of 28 August produces no tangible results, we will have no choice but to take decisive action without further delay,” he warned.

Disputes over IPPMS and Staff Welfare

TIMES OF NIGERIA gathered from the press briefing that one of the most contentious issues is the “forceful enrolment” of staff into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Management System (IPPMS).

According to ASUU, the payroll platform has caused serious disruptions, including omission of staff from salary payrolls, non-payment of allowances, delays in annual increments and promotion arrears, and persistent late remittance of third-party deductions.

The union further lamented the non-release of ₦604,719,866.14 meant for 25 and 35 per cent salary arrears, despite the sum being captured in the 2025 approved budget.

ASUU also accused state agencies of “unnecessary interference” in the university’s internal affairs, in violation of its statutory autonomy.

Warning of Looming Crisis

The Sule Lamido University branch said it had previously engaged with the Jigawa State Government, including the Accountant General, Head of Civil Service, and the State House of Assembly, but many of the issues remained unresolved.

The union demanded the immediate reinstatement of omitted salaries, payment of responsibility allowances, implementation of promotions and increments, release of arrears, and respect for the university’s autonomy.

Mr Hussaini concluded: “The insensitivity of government agencies can no longer be tolerated. We call for the removal of Sule Lamido University from this centralised payroll system to avoid disruption of academic activities. The struggle continues.”

SOURCE: TIMES OF NIGERIA