The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has explained the major reasons behind the alarming exodus of 30 trained PhD holders who resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) formerly Bauchi State University.
ASUU says it is due to deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Bauchi, ASUU officials detailed their concerns, stating that the absence of an employee exit policy has forced many of its best scholars to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, said SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place for staff. This is leading to why many are looking elsewhere for a greener pasture.
Timothy said, “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
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.
Furthermore, ASUU condemned the ongoing tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in position since the university’s establishment, and called for adherence to established laws regarding appointments. This situation creates an environment where accountability and progressive policies are lacking, he emphasised.
In light of these challenges, ASUU is urging the Bauchi State Government and stakeholders to address the welfare of staff urgently, including the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the implementation of overdue allowances
“Unless these issues are resolved, we can not guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He called on the state government to declare a state of emergency in the university to that, all contentious issues are immediately addressed to secure the future of the academic staff and the institution.
