The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised concerns over the mass departure of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly Bauchi State University, due to worsening working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions.
During a press conference on Friday, ASUU officials outlined their grievances, with Zonal Coordinator Namo Timothy expressing alarm at the situation.
“The absence of an employee exit policy has driven many of our top scholars to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy stated.
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He also highlighted the university’s lack of a pension or death benefit scheme, which is typically provided under public service regulations in Nigeria. “Without these essential benefits, our members feel insecure about their future,” he added.
ASUU further criticized SAZU’s administration for failing to pay over ₦650 million in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their efforts,” Timothy said.
Additional concerns raised by the union include a steep increase in student fees and the administration’s lack of commitment to staff training and development. The union accused the university of neglecting staff welfare, even as fees for undergraduate programs have more than doubled.
“The university claims it lacks the funds to pay staff, yet continues to impose higher charges on students,” Timothy noted.
ASUU also condemned the prolonged tenure of the university’s current Pro-Chancellor, who has held the position since the institution’s inception, calling for compliance with established laws regarding appointments. Timothy stressed that this situation undermines accountability and the adoption of progressive policies.
In response to these challenges, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address staff welfare issues, including the creation of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Without resolving these matters, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony at SAZU,” Timothy warned, calling on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to resolve the issues and safeguard the future of both the academic staff and the institution.
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