30 PhD Holders Quit Bauchi University Over Unpaid Allowances – ASUU
The resignation of over 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State has raised significant concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions at the institution. This was revealed by Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, during a press conference held at the university’s Yuli Campus. He painted a grim picture of the university, describing it as being in “the shadow of death” due to long-standing mismanagement and neglect by the Bauchi State Government.
Timothy emphasized that unless immediate and drastic measures are taken, the university is headed for further decline. He called on the state government to declare a state of emergency to address the years of poor governance that have negatively impacted both the university’s operations and the welfare of its staff members.
Among the numerous issues faced by the academic staff at SAZU are the absence of a pension plan and death benefit scheme, both of which are standard across public institutions in Nigeria. In addition, the administration owes its staff members over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowances and Excess Workload Allowances, dating back to 2012. This massive debt burden has been a significant source of discontent and frustration for the university’s academic staff.
Timothy further criticized the appointment of an HND holder as the university’s Bursar, a position that, according to the university’s statutes, requires a candidate to hold at least a first degree. He noted that such appointments undermine the morale of the academic staff and contribute to the exodus of highly qualified personnel. He revealed that many of those who have resigned, including 30 PhD holders, have sought employment at other institutions that provide better working conditions and more secure futures.
ASUU’s Bauchi Zone has made repeated efforts to resolve these issues, engaging with key stakeholders and exchanging numerous correspondences, but to no avail. As the situation worsens, Timothy warned that ASUU could no longer guarantee industrial harmony between its members and the university administration unless the necessary reforms are implemented.
He urged the Bauchi State Government and the university’s management to implement a comprehensive exit policy that includes pension and death benefits for staff, to prevent further destabilization of the institution. Without such measures, the future of Sa’adu Zungur University remains uncertain, and the mass resignations may continue.
