In a move to prevent a looming industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Sokoto State Ministry of Higher Education on Monday held an urgent meeting with the union’s leadership at Sokoto State University (SSU) and Shehu Shagari University of Education.
The meeting focused on addressing concerns surrounding the welfare of academic staff and the implementation of various allowances.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Maishanu, and the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Ismaila Ibrahim Binji, led government officials at the meeting.
A statement issued by Ibrahim Iya, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Higher Education, further stated that the ASUU delegation was led by the SSU Branch Chairman, Dr Bello Musa, alongside union executives.
Both parties focused on resolving outstanding entitlements for academic personnel, particularly discrepancies within the Consolidated University Academic Structure (CONUASS) framework and the omission of specific professional allowances during recent implementations.
Following constructive deliberations, the Ministry and the Union agreed on the following action: the Ministry will conduct a thorough review of all grievances the Union presented.
The ministry will submit its findings and actionable recommendations to the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for consideration and approval.
Prof. Maishanu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining open communication and safeguarding staff welfare through dialogue and established due process.
Also present at the meeting were key ministry officials, including the Director of Administration, Sadiya Isa; Director of Quality Assurance, Malami Shuaibu; and Director of Finance, Muhammad Anwar Sadat.
The statement added, “The session concluded productively, with both the government and union leadership reaffirming their joint commitment to sustained collaboration in the interest of industrial harmony and educational advancement in Sokoto State.”