The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised concerns over the resignation of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly Bauchi State University, due to poor working conditions and inadequate welfare.
During a press conference on Friday, ASUU officials highlighted the absence of an employee exit policy, which has led many of the institution’s top scholars to leave in search of better opportunities. The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, expressed concern, stating, “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, unlike other public service institutions in the country.”
He emphasized that without these safety nets, staff members feel uncertain about their future.
Additionally, ASUU criticized SAZU’s administration for failing to disburse over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. Despite the university generating revenue from postgraduate programs, staff have not been compensated for their efforts.
Other pressing issues include a steep increase in student fees and a lack of investment in staff training and development. Timothy also condemned the university’s failure to prioritize staff welfare despite raising undergraduate fees by over 100 percent, saying, “The University claims there are no funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students.”
ASUU also called for the removal of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has been in office since the institution’s founding, citing the need for accountability and progressive policies.
In response to these challenges, ASUU is urging the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to address staff welfare urgently, including implementing a comprehensive exit policy and overdue allowances.
“If these issues are not resolved, industrial harmony at SAZU cannot be guaranteed,” Timothy warned, urging the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure the future of its staff and institution.
