Geidam Hails ASUU Cooperative's Solar Initiative, Pledges Support for Staff Welfare

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Prof. Yaqub Ahmed Geidam, has commended the ASUU Multipurpose Cooperative Society for providing solar power systems to its members to address electricity challenges facing staff in Gashua.

Prof. Geidam made the commendation on Wednesday at flag-off of distribution of solar packages to beneficiaries, held at Faculty of Management and Social Sciences premises.

He said initiative was particularly significant because academic staff require reliable electricity to carry out teaching, research and other academic activities, adding cooperative had complemented university's efforts to improve staff welfare.

The Vice-Chancellor said staff welfare had remained one of his priorities since assuming office, noting many university employees live off campus because of inadequate accommodation. He explained university has limited internally generated revenue to tackle problem, while TETFund policies do not provide for construction of staff quarters.

According to him, university administration has identified existing staff quarters outside main campus, in Yusufari and Karasuwa, for renovation. He added university had engaged several agencies and development partners and submitted proposals seeking support for staff accommodation.

He noted better welfare facilities would help retain staff and create more conducive environment for academic and administrative work.

Earlier, President of ASUU Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Dr. Wanan Cornelius Terzungwe, said solar initiative was introduced to help members cope with inadequate power supply.

He said cooperative intends to sustain scheme, adding beneficiaries would have one year to complete payment for solar systems.

Dr. Terzungwe described distribution as first phase of initiative and expressed optimism that more staff would benefit in subsequent phases.