SSANU DEFENDS WARNING STRIKE, REJECTS VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALLEGATIONS
SSANU DEFENDS WARNING STRIKE, REJECTS VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALLEGATIONS
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Sokoto State University Branch, has defended its ongoing five-day warning strike, insisting that the industrial action followed due process.
The Branch Chairman, Isma’il Bala Muhammad, stated this in a press statement issued on Friday in response to allegations by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor M.B. Yerima, that the union failed to follow established procedures.
Muhammad said the union had submitted its demands to the Vice-Chancellor, whose committee verified them before they were forwarded to the Sokoto State Government through the Ministry for Higher Education. He added that several meetings were held with the ministry before the union issued a 14-day ultimatum.
He maintained that the Vice-Chancellor was fully briefed on the engagements, adding that the decision to embark on the strike was unanimously endorsed by members at Congress.
The chairman also dismissed allegations that the strike was politically motivated or intended to sabotage the university, describing them as unfounded.
He said SSANU members had contributed significantly to the institution’s development since its early years, including helping to attract qualified professionals.
Muhammad also defended the intellectual and administrative contributions of SSANU members, noting that they hold various academic qualifications, including PhDs, master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, HNDs and NDs.
He further rejected the description of ASUU as the mother union in the university, insisting that both associations were sister unions.
The chairman reaffirmed SSANU’s commitment to the progress and stability of Sokoto State University while insisting on the protection of members’ legitimate rights and welfare.
It would be recalled that the association embarked on a warning strike on 2 November 2026 to press home its demands over unpaid entitlements.
