Academic Tsunami: 30 Ph.D holders exit Bauchi University over poor welfare, working conditions

*The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Bauchi Zone, raises the alarm over the exodus of 30 trained Ph.D holders from Sa’adu Zungur University, formerly known as the Bauchi State University, due to deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions in the institution

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Disclosing their concerns about the far-reaching effect of the move on the quality of academic output of the institution, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised alarm over the exodus of 30 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly christened Bauchi State University, due to deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions.

ConsumerConnect reports the academic union detailed their concerns during a press conference held Friday, September 27, 2024.

Speaking on the burning issue, Namo Timothy, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Bauchi Zone, said lamented the absence of an employee exit policy in SAZU had compelled several best scholars of the institution to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.

Timothy also explained: “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”

He said that without a pension or death benefit scheme, their members feel insecure about their future.

ASUU criticised SAZU’s administration for failing to pay over N650 million in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.

The Zonal Coordinator noted: “Despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programmes, our members have not been compensated for their contributions.”

The union further discussed other pressing issues affecting the University, including steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.

ASUU accused the University administration of neglecting staff welfare despite recent fee hikes of over 100 percent for regular undergraduate programmes.

Timothy said: “The University claims there are no funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students.”

According to him, ASUU as well condemned the ongoing tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in position since the University’s establishment, and called for adherence to established laws regarding appointments.

This situation, he stressed, apparently creates an environment where accountability and progressive policies are lacking in the University.

The academic union urged Bauchi State Government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in the university so all contentious issues are immediately addressed to secure the future of the academic staff and the institution.

ASUU also asked the state government, and other stakeholders to address the welfare of staff urgently, including the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the implementation of overdue allowances

The Zonal Coordinator asserted: “Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU.”