Jigawa Varsity ASUU Issues Two-Week Ultimatum, Threatens Strike Over Outstanding Dues
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa (SLUK) Branch, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Jigawa State Government to resolve a series of outstanding financial, welfare and administrative demands, warning that its members may commence industrial action from September 15, 2026.
The union reached the decision at a special congress held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences Lecture Theatre 2 of the university.
In a resolution signed by the branch Chairman, Idris Muhammad Chiromawa, and Secretary, Saliu Yunusa, the union expressed concern over what it described as delays in addressing issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of academic staff.
Among its key demands is the implementation of provisions contained in the 2025 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government, including the payment of outstanding arrears owed to affected members from January 2026 to date.
The union also demanded the settlement of outstanding responsibility allowances, annual increment arrears dating back to 2023, promotion arrears from 2024, third-party deductions and the release of approved 2024/2025 Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).
ASUU-SLUK further called on the state government to exempt Sule Lamido University from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Management System (IPPMS), arguing that the system does not adequately accommodate the peculiarities of the institution.
The lecturers also questioned the deduction of 0.7 per cent from the statutory two per cent Local Government contribution to the university and urged the government to ensure sustainable funding for the state's higher education institutions.
The union warned that failure to resolve the issues within the stipulated two-week period would leave it with no option but to commence industrial action.
“The congress will proceed on an industrial action effective from 15th September 2026 should the Government fail to implement the agreement,” the union stated.
Government: Ultimatum Untimely
The Jigawa State Government, however, has described the ultimatum as unacceptable and untimely, maintaining that it is already engaging with issues concerning staff welfare and the development of the university.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Yusuf Chamo, said the state government had recently received communication from the National Universities Commission regarding the financial implications of implementing the 2025 agreement.
According to him, the government needs to examine the details and make the necessary budgetary provisions before proceeding with implementation.
Chamo also highlighted the government's investments in the institution, saying approximately ₦10 billion had been committed to infrastructure and staff welfare at the university.
He maintained that the government remained open to dialogue with the union in order to prevent any disruption to academic activities.
The emerging dispute has raised concerns among students, parents and other stakeholders, particularly as the September 15 deadline draws closer.
A successful resolution through dialogue could avert another disruption of academic activities, while failure to reach an agreement could result in industrial action and further affect the academic calendar of Sule Lamido University.
The Analyst Online Media will continue to follow developments as negotiations between the union and the Jigawa State Government unfold.