The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone has disclosed that more than 30 PhD holders have left the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), owned by the Bauchi state government over deteriorating working conditions.
Penpushing reports that Zonal Coordinator of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Namo Timothy made this known at a press conference, pointing out that the absence of an employee exit policy forced the lecturers to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The coordinator added that the development has left the institution on the verge of collapse, stressing that the university has no pension or death benefit scheme as stipulated in public service regulation in the country.
Penpushing further reports that Timothy noted that without a pension or death benefit scheme and with the deteriorating working conditions, lecturers feel insecure about their future in the university after reaching the vulnerable age of retirement.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), criticized the university’s administration for failing to pay over N650 million in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
Penpushing also reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), noted that despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programmes, members have not been compensated for their contributions.
The union added that other pressing issues include a steep rise in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development, and accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare despite a recent fee hike of over 100 per cent for regular and undergraduate programmes.
Penpushing reports that Timothy argued that the university claimed there are no funds to pay members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), yet it continues to impose higher charges on students.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), equally complained that the pro-chancellor has been in the 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. 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 cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the university, the union emphasised
Penpushing further reports that the union called on the state government to declare a state of emergency in the university to address the issues to secure the future of the academic staff and the institution.
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