In a significant blow to Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, Nigeria, not less than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resigned, citing poor pay and management issues. This announcement was made by the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, during a press conference.
Timothy described the university as being in “the shadow of death” due to mismanagement and poor treatment of staff. He called for a state of emergency to address the ongoing challenges facing the institution, stating that the ASUU branch can no longer ensure industrial harmony under the current administration.
Key issues raised included the absence of pension and death benefits for staff, which are standard in public service across Nigeria. The SAZU administration reportedly owes its members over 650 million naira in Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance since 2012.
Additionally, Timothy criticized the appointment of a Higher National Diploma (HND) holder as the university’s bursar, a move he said contradicts the university’s regulations that require a minimum of a first degree for such positions. This decision has contributed to low morale among staff, leading many to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The ASUU Coordinator urged the Bauchi government and university administration to implement comprehensive policies addressing these concerns to retain qualified staff and restore institutional integrity.
