By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposal for its members to access loans, describing it as a “poison chalice.”
Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Abubakar Sabo, stated this while addressing journalists in Sokoto. He expressed disappointment over what he called the Federal Government’s continued negligence of ASUU members.
The Sokoto Zone comprises Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Sokoto State University, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Federal University Gusau, Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto, and the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru.
Prof. Sabo said the government’s loan policy was unacceptable, noting that many lecturers were already burdened with debts.
“Our members do not lack access to loans. Many are already in deep debt. What we need is for the government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and reduce reliance on loans,” he said.
He recalled that the union had earlier warned the Federal and state governments against complacency, stressing unresolved issues such as the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries covering three and a half months, sustainable university funding, and revitalization of institutions including LASU, KSU (Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO.
Other concerns, he said, include outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears, delayed promotions spanning over four years, third-party deductions, proliferation of universities, retirement benefits for professors and other staff, as well as the need for a tertiary institutions staff support fund.
Prof. Sabo disclosed that following ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 16 and 17, 2025, at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, the union resolved to give the Federal Government time to address these issues and report back after its next meeting scheduled for August 28.
“The outcome will inform ASUU’s next steps in addressing our demands and securing justice for our members who have waited for over two years,” he said.
He further called on well-meaning Nigerians, including the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), traditional institutions, and the National Assembly, to prevail on the Federal Government not to provoke the union into action.
