The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced that at least 30 members have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State. The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, revealed this alarming statistic during a press conference at the university’s Yuli Campus. He cited the poor management of university affairs and the well-being of its staff as critical factors driving this mass resignation.
Call for State of Emergency
Timothy called on the Bauchi State government to declare a state of emergency at the university to address the ongoing mismanagement. He stressed that until significant changes occur, ASUU cannot guarantee industrial harmony between its members and the university administration. The coordinator expressed concern over the diminishing morale among faculty members and the urgent need for government intervention.
Lack of Benefits and Financial Obligations
ASUU members at SAZU face considerable challenges, including the absence of a pension or death benefit scheme, which is standard in public service across Nigeria. Timothy highlighted that the university administration owes its members Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Workload Allowance amounting to over 650 million naira since 2012. This financial burden has contributed significantly to the dissatisfaction among academic staff.
Concerns Over Appointment Policies
Timothy also criticized the appointment of a Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate as the university’s Bursar, a position traditionally reserved for those with at least a first degree. This decision has not only lowered the morale of faculty members but has also prompted many, including the 30 PhD holders, to seek employment at other institutions where they feel their futures are more secure.
Urgent Need for Comprehensive Exit Policies
The ASUU coordinator urged both the Bauchi State government and the university administration to implement a comprehensive exit policy that includes pension and death benefits for staff. Such measures are vital to restoring confidence among academic staff and ensuring a more stable work environment. Timothy emphasized that without these changes, the university would continue to face challenges in retaining qualified personnel.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
As the situation at Sa’adu Zungur University unfolds, the resignation of over 30 PhD holders serves as a stark warning about the implications of poor management and inadequate support for academic staff. The ASUU’s call for a state of emergency and reforms reflects a broader concern regarding the state of education in Nigeria. The future of SAZU and its faculty now hinges on the prompt response of the Bauchi State government and the university administration to these pressing issues.
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