Over Thirty PhD Holders Resign from Sa’adu Zungur University Due to Poor Working Conditions

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Bauchi has revealed that over thirty PhD holders have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and lack of welfare support. This was disclosed during a press conference on Friday.

Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, expressed concerns over the mass resignations, attributing them to the absence of an employee departure policy and inadequate benefits such as pensions and death plans. He noted that these issues have left academic staff feeling insecure about their futures.

The union also criticized the university administration for failing to pay approximately 650 million naira in owed benefits, including earned academic allowances and honoraria for internal examiners, despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs. 

ASUU further highlighted additional issues, such as a lack of commitment to staff training and development, and recent fee increases of over 100% for undergraduate programs, which they argue have not translated into improved staff welfare. 

The union also raised concerns about the prolonged tenure of the Pro-Chancellor, urging compliance with appointment regulations to foster accountability and progressive policies.

ASUU is calling on the Bauchi State Government to declare a state of emergency at the university to address these issues and secure the future of the academic staff. The union warned that failure to resolve these concerns could lead to further industrial unrest at SAZU.