By Lucy Adautin
The Bauchi Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed serious concerns over the departure of 30 PhD-trained staff members from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), previously known as Bauchi State University, citing worsening work conditions and insufficient welfare support as the reasons.
ASUU officials brought this issue to light during a press briefing recently, where they outlined the challenges prompting the exodus.
The absence of an employee exit policy has forced many of Nigeria’s best scholars to seek opportunities elsewhere, stated the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy,
“SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He said that without a pension or death benefit scheme, its members feel insecure about their future.
The union also criticised SAZU’s administration for failing to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
“Despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy added.
Other pressing issues discussed include steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.
“The union accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare despite recent fee hikes of over 100 per cent for regular undergraduate programs.
“The University claims there are no funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” Timothy said.
In addition, ASUU criticized the prolonged tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has held the position since the university’s inception, demanding compliance with the established regulations governing appointments. This prolonged tenure, they emphasized, fosters a lack of accountability and hinders progressive policies.
Amid these concerns, ASUU is calling on the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address staff welfare issues, including the creation of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we can not guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He urged the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all pressing issues are promptly resolved, securing the future of both the academic staff and the institution.
