A wave of resignations has hit Sa'adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, as no fewer than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have abandoned ship. The mass exit was confirmed by ASUU Bauchi Zone Coordinator, Namo Timothy, during a press conference at the university's Yuli Campus on Friday September 27, 2024.
The crisis is attributed to the university's poor handling of affairs and its members' well-being. Timothy painted a dire picture, stating that SAZU is "in the shadow of death." He urged the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency to reverse the trend of mismanagement.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues to no avail.”
The ASUU Coordinator expressed frustration over the university's failure to provide basic benefits, including pension and death benefit schemes, which are standard in public service regulations. Furthermore, the university owes its members over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance, dating back to 2012.
Timothy also condemned the appointment of an HND graduate as Bursar, contrary to the university's service provisions requiring a minimum first-degree qualification. This decision has demoralized ASUU members, prompting many to seek greener pastures.
“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,” he added.
The ASUU branch has attempted to resolve these issues through stakeholder engagement and correspondence but to no avail. With industrial harmony at risk, Timothy called on the Bauchi government and university administration to establish a comprehensive exit policy covering pension and death benefits for staff.
Recall the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has recently issued a critical 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The statement was released on September 25, 2024, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep frustration over the government's perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, warning that such tactics are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
Additionally, ASUU is addressing broader systemic issues such as the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, implementation of visitation panel reports, and the reversal of the illegal dissolution of governing councils. The union is also advocating for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for the current payroll system.
