The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) has said that Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), a Bauchi government owned varsity, is on the shadow of death due to poor handling of affairs of the university and well-being of its members.
Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Professor Namo Timothy said this in a press conference at Yuli Campus of the university on Friday.
He called on Bauchi government to 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.
“Until and unless this is done, ASUU Bauchi 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 to no avail,” Professor Timothy explained.
The coordinator lamented that ASUU members at SAZU 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 Workload Allowance to the tune of over 650 million naira 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 a 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.
