The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Bauchi revealed at a press conference on Friday that at least thirty PhD holders had left Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University. The ASUU expressed concern over the departure of academic staff and blamed the mass resignations on declining working conditions and insufficient welfare support for the university’s lecturers. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The absence of an employee departure policy, according to Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, has forced many of our best scholars to look for work elsewhere.
“SAZU lacks a pension or death benefit plan, which are normally found in the established public service regulations of the country,” Timothy stated.
He added that our members feel apprehensive about their futures in the lack of such perks.
The union further chastised the SAZU administration for neglecting to pay out about 650 million naira in unpaid benefits, like as earned academic allowances and honoraria for internal examiners.
“Despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy added.
According to reports, other pressing issues discussed during the press conference 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.
ASUU also criticized the prolonged tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has held the position since the university’s inception and has urged compliance with existing appointment regulations.
This scenario fosters a climate devoid of accountability and progressive policies, he stressed.
In response to these issues, ASUU is calling on the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of staff, which includes the formulation of a thorough exit policy and the disbursement of long-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.
