At least 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State, citing poor management of the institution and the welfare of its staff.
According to The PUNCH, the resignation was disclosed by the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU’s Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, during a press briefing held at the university’s Yuli Campus on Friday.
According to Timothy, the state-owned university is on the brink of collapse due to the government’s neglect in handling key issues affecting both the institution and its employees.
“Sa’adu Zungur University is in the shadow of death because of the poor management of its affairs and the neglect of the welfare of its members,” he stated.
He urged the Bauchi State government to declare a state of emergency at the university to address long-standing issues.
“Until this is done, the ASUU Bauchi Zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between members of the ASUU SAZU branch and the university administration,” Timothy warned.
He revealed that several efforts by ASUU to engage with stakeholders and resolve the issues through correspondence had failed to produce any meaningful results.
Timothy further highlighted the lack of pension and death benefit schemes for SAZU staff, which he said are standard in public institutions nationwide.
“The administration owes its members over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowances and Excess Work Load Allowances dating back to 2012,” he disclosed.
The ASUU coordinator also criticized the appointment of a bursar who holds only a Higher National Diploma, a violation of the university’s policy that stipulates the role must be filled by someone with a minimum of a first degree.
“This has not only dampened the morale of our members but has also driven many, including 30 PhD holders, to resign and seek better opportunities elsewhere,” he added.
Timothy called on the Bauchi State government and the university’s administration to implement a comprehensive exit policy that includes pension and death benefits for staff.
