By Aaior K. Comfort

In a significant development, 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State due to inadequate compensation and unfavorable working conditions. Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, announced this at a press conference held at the university’s Yuli Campus on September 27, 2024.

Timothy criticized the management of SAZU, a state-owned university, for its neglect of faculty welfare, declaring that the institution is on the brink of collapse. He urged the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency to address the ongoing issues affecting the university, warning that without intervention, ASUU members can no longer ensure industrial harmony with the administration.

He highlighted the lack of essential benefits for faculty, noting that ASUU members at SAZU do not receive pensions or death benefits, which are standard in public service across Nigeria. The university reportedly owes its faculty over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowances and Excess Work Load Allowances since 2012.

Timothy also pointed out irregularities in the university’s administration, such as the appointment of a Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate as Bursar, which contradicts the university’s requirements that mandate a minimum of a first degree for the position. This decision has negatively impacted staff morale and prompted the resignation of many, including the 30 PhD holders seeking more secure opportunities elsewhere.

He called for the Bauchi government and university leadership to establish a comprehensive exit policy that includes pensions and death benefits for staff to retain qualified faculty members.