Kebbi State University Faces Potential Collapse Due to Poor Funding, ASUU Warns
Dr. Umar expressed deep concern over the university's inability to implement promotions for lecturers, citing delays of up to a year following approvals. This delay, he noted, has led to the departure of more than 20 skilled academic staff members.
Binye-lum 
The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology has issued a dire warning, highlighting severe funding challenges that could lead to the institution's collapse.
Speaking at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Dr. Abubakar Umar, Chairman of ASUU Kebbi, outlined several critical issues plaguing the university. These include extensive infrastructure decay, inadequate accommodation for lecturers, insufficient student hostels, and a long-standing non-payment of earned academic allowances spanning 11 years.
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Dr. Umar expressed deep concern over the university's inability to implement promotions for lecturers, citing delays of up to a year following approvals. This delay, he noted, has led to the departure of more than 20 skilled academic staff members.
Furthermore, the union raised alarms about the university's overcrowded facilities, stating that the infrastructure is not only deteriorating but also insufficient to accommodate the growing workforce and student population. Many students, due to the lack of on-campus facilities, are compelled to commute daily from Jega or Birnin Kebbi to attend classes.
The deteriorating healthcare situation was also highlighted, with Dr. Umar pointing out that the university clinic has operated without a doctor since its inception, despite numerous appeals for intervention.
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Security concerns were another critical issue addressed by ASUU, recalling incidents where lecturers faced threats such as kidnapping and attempted murder. The union emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures to ensure a safe learning environment.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Umar called upon the Kebbi State Government to urgently address the university's funding issues. He expressed confidence in the government's commitment to preserving the institution, which serves as a crucial educational hub for underprivileged students in the state.
When approached for comment, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Abubakar Tunga, refuted the allegations but declined to elaborate further on outstanding allowances and promotion issues. He suggested that journalists visit the university to verify the situation firsthand.
The fate of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology hangs in the balance as ASUU continues to advocate for immediate intervention to prevent its potential collapse, urging stakeholders to prioritize sustainable funding and infrastructure development to safeguard the future of higher education in the state.
