The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has witnessed a mass resignation of over 30 members from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State.
Namo Timothy, ASUU Bauchi Zone Coordinator, disclosed this at a press conference held at the university’s Yuli Campus.
According to Timothy, SAZU, a state government-owned institution, is struggling due to poor management and neglect of staff welfare. He described the university as “in the shadow of death.”
Timothy called on the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency to address these issues.
“Until and unless this is done, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between members of the ASUU SAZU branch and the university administration,” he warned.
Despite efforts to engage stakeholders and exchange correspondence, resolution attempts have been unsuccessful.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues to no avail.”
ASUU members at SAZU lack pension and death benefit schemes, contrary to standard public service regulations. The university also owes members over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance since 2012. Furthermore, Timothy criticized the appointment of a HND graduate as Bursar, violating university service provisions requiring a minimum first degree.
“This has not only dampened the morale of our members in the university but forced many, including 30 trained PhD holders, to resign and migrate to other institutions where their future is secured,” Timothy added. He urged the Bauchi government and university administration to establish a comprehensive exit policy covering pension and death benefits for staff.
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