The Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) has revealed that Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), a Bauchi government-owned university, is in the shadow of death due to the poor handling of affairs of the institution and the well-being of its workers.
Professor Namo Timothy, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, explained during a press conference on Friday at the Yuli Campus of the university.
Added that “Until and unless the government addresses the problems, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between its members and the university administration.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues to no avail.”
Daily Trust Newspaper reports that, “The don called on the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency for the university to reverse manifesting trends of poor handling of affairs of the university over the years since it wasn’t established.
The Coordinator lamented that ASUU members at SAZU do not have a pension or death benefit scheme as obtained in a structured public service regulation across the country.
He said that the SAZU administration owed its members Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance to the tune of over 650 million naira from 2012 to date.
Timothy further decried how an HND graduate was appointed Bursar of the university contrary to the provision of service of the university, which spelled that only candidates with a minimum of first degree would be considered for appointment as Bursar.
“This has not only dampened the morale of our members in the university but forced many, including 30 trained PhD holders to resign and migrate to other institutions where their future is secured,” he said
The Coordinator also called on the Bauchi government and the university administration to put in place a comprehensive exit policy covering pension and death benefits for staff.
