More than 30 Ph.D. holders have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, citing ongoing administrative issues and poor working conditions.
Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Bauchi Zone, made this announcement during a press conference at the university’s Yuli Campus on Friday.
Timothy emphasized that SAZU is “in the shadow of death” due to mismanagement and neglect of the welfare of its staff. He urged the Bauchi State government to declare a state of emergency at the institution, warning that the ASUU branch “can no longer ensure industrial harmony” under the current circumstances.
He also criticized the absence of a pension and death benefit scheme for ASUU members at SAZU, which he noted is typically standard in public service organizations across Nigeria. According to Timothy, the university administration owes staff over N650 million in Earned Academic Allowances and Excess Workload Allowances dating back to 2012.
In addition, Timothy condemned the hiring of a Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate as the university’s Bursar, highlighting that this violates university regulations, which require at least a first degree for such positions.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and communicated extensively to resolve these issues, but to no avail,” he said.
“This situation has not only lowered the morale of our members but has also compelled many, including 30 trained Ph.D. holders, to leave for other institutions where their futures are more secure,” Timothy concluded.
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