30 PhD holders resigned in Bauchi varsity over poor pay—ASUU
Not less than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU in Bauchi State.
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy disclosed this at a press conference at Yuli Campus of the university on Friday.
Timothy noted that the Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU a state government-owned varsity, is in the shadow of death due to poor handling of affairs of the university and well-being of its members.
While calling on the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency on the university to reverse trends of poor handling of affairs over the years, the ASUU Coordinator explained that “Until and unless this is done, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between members of the 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.”
He lamented that ASUU members at SAZU do not have a pension nor death benefit scheme as obtained in a structured public service regulation across the country.
According to him, 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 also 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 the Bauchi government and the university administration to put in place a comprehensive exit policy covering pension and death benefits for staff.
