At least 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have stepped down from their positions at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State over inadequate pay and working conditions.
This was revealed by ASUU’s Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, Namo Timothy, during a press briefing at the university’s Yuli Campus. Timothy criticized the management of the state-owned institution, stating that its operations are in disarray due to a failure to address staff welfare and institutional concerns.
Calling for immediate intervention, Timothy urged the Bauchi State government to declare a state of emergency at the university. He warned that without swift action, maintaining industrial harmony between the ASUU branch at SAZU and the university management may become impossible.
“We have engaged various stakeholders, exchanged letters, and tried every avenue to resolve these issues, but no progress has been made,” Timothy added.
He also expressed concern over the absence of pension and death benefit schemes for ASUU members at SAZU, which are typically part of public service structures nationwide.
Timothy disclosed that the university owes its staff over ₦650 million in Earned Academic Allowances and Excess Workload Allowances, dating back to 2012.
In addition, he criticized the appointment of an HND graduate as the university’s bursar, a position typically requiring a minimum of a first degree. This, he said, has demoralized staff and prompted many, including 30 PhD holders, to leave for other institutions offering better security for their future.
Timothy called on the state government and university authorities to establish comprehensive policies for staff pensions and death benefits.
