By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government, owners of the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) has been alerted that unless urgent steps were taken to ameliorate the situation of the Varsity, ASUU can no longer quarantee a harmonious relationship between members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the University Management.
ASUU further stated that the Varsity is on the verge of imminent death due to poor handling of its affairs and well-being of its members.
The assertion was made by the Bauchi Zone of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) during a press conference addressed by the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Professor Namo Timothy at the Yuli Campus of the University on Friday.
He called on Bauchi government to immediately declare ‘State of Emergency’ on the University to reverse manifesting trends of poor handling of affairs of the University over the years since it was established.
According to him, “Until and unless this is done, ASUU Branch Zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between members of ASUU, SAZU branch and the University administration.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues, but to no avail,” Professor Timothy explained.
The Coordinator lamented that ASUU members at SAZU do not have neither pension nor 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 N650 million from 2012 to date.
Professor Timothy decried how a HND graduate was appointed Bursar of the University contrary to the provision of service of the University which spelt 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 added.
The Coordinator called on Bauchi Government and the university administration to put in place a comprehensive exit policy covering pension and death benefits for staff.
