Academic staff at Sule Lamido University suspend industrial action following a crucial deal with the state government.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Jigawa State-owned Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa branch, has officially called off its proposed total and comprehensive strike. The industrial action was initially scheduled to commence on November 3, 2026, creating tension across the academic community.
This major development comes after a successful series of negotiations between the lecturers and the state government team, headed by the State Head of Service, Muhammad Kandira Dagaceri. Both parties met in Dutse, the state capital, on Wednesday to finalize terms and resolve outstanding labor demands.
The peaceful resolution averted major academic disruptions at the institution, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Resolution of the ASUU-FGN Agreement
The branch chairman of the union, Dr Idris Muhammad Chiromawa, confirmed the agreement in a chat with correspondents in Dutse on Thursday. He stated that the state government finally approved the implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN Agreement at the institution, bringing relief to academic staff.
Implementation of the agreement will take effect from October 2026, accompanied by arrears covering the period from January to September 2026, totaling nine months of back pay. This crucial concession played a major role in convincing union members to shelve their planned strike.
Addressing Earned Academic Allowances
Alongside the federal agreement rollout, the state government also successfully resolved other outstanding issues affecting university lecturers. These matters included the long-standing earned academic allowance, though specific details regarding the exact terms of settlement were not disclosed by union leadership.
The prompt intervention of key government officials helped bridge the gap between labor demands and administrative constraints. This collaborative approach ensured that industrial harmony was maintained at the state-owned tertiary institution without resorting to protests.
Timeline of the Suspended Strike
The labor dispute began when the union issued a firm 15 September ultimatum during a unanimous resolution on Tuesday, September 2. Members warned that failure to meet their demands would trigger a two-week warning strike across the campus.
The initial deadline faced several adjustments following constructive diplomatic efforts by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Yusuf Chamo. His intervention pushed the final ultimatum date to October 30, ultimately paving the way for the recent breakthrough.
Union Gratitude to Jigawa State Government
Following the successful negotiations, Dr Idris Muhammad Chiromawa expressed deep appreciation to both the state government and the university management for approving the vital agreement. The leadership praised the administration for taking steps to safeguard the welfare of lecturers.
The union also extended profound gratitude to all esteemed members for their patience, understanding, and continued support throughout the struggle. Academic activities at Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa will now proceed smoothly without any interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ASUU-SLUK shelve its proposed strike?
The union shelved the strike after the Jigawa State government negotiating team resolved their demands, including approving the implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN Agreement and earned academic allowances.
Who led the Jigawa State government negotiating team?
The state government negotiating team was headed by the State Head of Service, Muhammad Kandira Dagaceri, alongside other key officials like the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Yusuf Chamo.
When is the implementation of the agreement scheduled to begin?
The state government approved the implementation of the agreement at Sule Lamido University with effect from October 2026, along with nine months of arrears covering January to September 2026.
Who is the chairman of ASUU-SLUK?
Dr Idris Muhammad Chiromawa serves as the branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa.
