Jigawa Engages Sule Lamido University Lecturers Over Strike Threat

The Jigawa State Government is engaging lecturers at Sule Lamido University, as both sides work to prevent a possible disruption of academic activities.

The move follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Sule Lamido University, ASUS, over several outstanding demands.

The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isah Yusif Chamo, convenes the meeting less than 24 hours after the union issued the ultimatum.

ASUS presents ten demands, including the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding arrears and exemption of Sule Lamido University from the IPPIS system.

The union also opposes a proposed 0.7 per cent deduction from the two per cent share of local government revenue allocated to the university.

It wants the government to explore other funding options for the newly established Majiya University rather than reducing the allocation to Sule Lamido University.

Professor Chamo says the state government only receives the National Universities Commission’s memo on the Federal Government agreement this month and is yet to study its financial implications and make the necessary budgetary provisions.

He also says the state has the authority to determine how its two universities are funded, but stresses that the government remains open to dialogue.

The Commissioner says the meeting brings together ASUS executives, vice-chancellors of the two universities, the Attorney General and the Accountant General, among other stakeholders.

The goal, he says, is to protect a stable learning environment and prevent any disruption that could affect students.

The government also says it remains committed to improving higher education in the state, with more than 20 billion naira reportedly spent on projects at Sule Lamido University in the last two years.

With the two-week ultimatum now running, attention is on the outcome of the discussions and whether both sides can reach an agreement before academic activities are affected.