The management of Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State has denied reports of the resignation of 30 PhD holders from the institution, following claims by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
According to The PUNCH, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan, called the reports “misleading, inaccurate, and unfounded,” clarifying that the institution had not received resignation letters from the alleged 30 PhD staff members.
“The university has not received any resignation letter from the purported 30 PhD holders or any significant number of academic staff,” Hassan stated.
“Our records show that only six PhD holders have left the university in the last one year and ten months, citing various personal reasons unrelated to salary concerns.”
Hassan also provided details about staff members who are currently away from the university for various reasons, such as sabbatical leave, leave of absence, or secondment.
He explained that some resignations were for personal reasons, not linked to salary issues.
“Our records indicate the absence of some staff members, including six who were dismissed due to abscondment or disciplinary issues, two on sabbatical, two secondments, and one on leave of absence,” he added.
According to the PRO, SAZU currently has 397 academic staff members, including 18 professors, 9 readers, 57 senior lecturers, 113 lecturers I, 47 lecturers II, 76 assistant lecturers, and 77 graduate assistants.
He emphasized that the Bauchi State government, under Governor Bala Mohammed, has consistently supported the university, particularly in terms of staff welfare.
“The university has prioritized the welfare and development of its staff, with initiatives aimed at improving their working conditions, such as timely salary payments and other financial benefits,” Hassan explained.
He also highlighted the university’s recent efforts to promote academic staff and pay promotion arrears where applicable.
The university’s statement comes in response to remarks made by ASUU’s Bauchi Zone Coordinator, Namo Timothy, who at a press conference on Friday claimed that 30 PhD holders had resigned from SAZU due to poor handling of the university’s affairs.
According to Timothy, the resignations were prompted by inadequate welfare conditions, including the lack of pension and death benefits, and unpaid allowances totaling over 650 million naira since 2012.
“The state government-owned university is in dire straits due to mismanagement and neglect of staff welfare,” Timothy said. “Until urgent steps are taken to address these issues, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony between ASUU members at SAZU and the university administration.”
He also criticized the appointment of a bursar with only an HND qualification, in violation of the university’s requirement for a minimum of a first degree for the position.
Timothy urged the Bauchi State government and the university to implement a comprehensive exit policy covering pensions and death benefits for staff to prevent further resignations.
The university, however, maintains that the situation is not as severe as ASUU claims, reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare and development.
