Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Boosts Workers' Pay at Two Universities

In a significant move to enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has given his approval for a salary increase at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and Northwest University, Kano. This development was disclosed in a statement released by the governor's spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. The statement outlined that the new salary structure is modeled after the federal government's remuneration package for federal universities across the country. This decision follows a report and recommendations submitted by a committee set up by the State Executive Council to examine the requests of the two state-owned universities to adopt the new salary package. According to the details provided, the new remuneration package will come into effect from January 2026, with payments set to commence in September 2026. The total monthly financial implication for the two universities is estimated at ₦391,847,555.24, which translates to an annual expenditure of ₦4,702,170,662.88. For Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, the monthly financial implication is ₦228,195,210.83, comprising ₦141,082,223.37 for academic staff under the ASUU agreement and ₦87,112,987.46 for non-academic staff under SSANU. In the case of Northwest University, Kano, the monthly implication is ₦163,652,344.41, with ₦112,238,985.30 allocated for academic staff and ₦51,413,359.11 for non-academic staff. To facilitate the implementation of the new salary structure, the government has approved the inclusion of ₦1,567,390,220.96 in the 2026 Supplementary Budget to cover payments from September to December 2026. Additionally, arrears covering January to August 2026, totaling ₦3,134,780,441.92, will be provided for under the 2027 Budget. The decision to increase salaries is aimed at ensuring industrial harmony and improving the welfare of staff at the two institutions, aligning with the implementation of the new remuneration package in federal universities and other state-owned universities. Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has approved the consideration of visitation panels for the two universities and other tertiary institutions in the state, with the goal of strengthening accountability, administration, and effective management of these institutions. The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enhancing workers' welfare and strengthening the quality of higher education as part of its broader investment in human capital development.