At least 30 PhD holders have reportedly resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University.
The Bauchi chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) disclosed this during a press conference on Friday, expressing concern over the departure of academic staff.
ASUU attributed the mass resignations to deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare support for the university’s lecturers.
Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, remarked that the lack of an employee exit policy has compelled many of our top scholars to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Timothy said: “SAZU does not have a pension or death benefit scheme, which is typically found in the established public service regulations of the country.”
He further noted that the absence of such benefits leaves our members feeling uncertain about their future.
Additionally, the union criticized the administration of SAZU for failing to disburse over 650 million naira in outstanding entitlements, which include earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
“Despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy added.
According to reports, other pressing issues discussed during the press conference include steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.
The union accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare despite recent fee hikes of over 100 per cent for regular undergraduate programs.
“The University claims there are no funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” Timothy said.
ASUU also criticized the prolonged tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has held the position since the university’s inception and has urged compliance with existing appointment regulations.
This scenario fosters a climate devoid of accountability and progressive policies, he stressed.
In response to these issues, ASUU is calling on the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of staff, which includes the formulation of a thorough exit policy and the disbursement of long-overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we can not guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He called on the state government to declare a state of emergency in the university to that all contentious issues are immediately addressed to secure the future of the academic staff and the institution.