By Khalid Idris Doya
The Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State has debunked the recent publications in some national dailies, especially the online media that not less than 30 PhD holders have resigned their appointments with the university due to poor salary.
A press statement signed by the University’s public relations officer, Mr. Auwal Hassan yesterday described the media publications as misleading, inaccurate, and unfounded.
In the statement refuting the said media publications, the public relations officer stated categorically that SAZU has not received any resignation letter from PhD holder staff based on poor salary.
“Only six PhD holders staff exited or are away from the university in the almost past two years who were basically on personal reasons not related to salary concern or renumeration”, Hassan posited.
According to him, the University dismissed six staff based on abscondment or disciplinary grounds, two went on sabbatical leave, two on secondment, and one leave of absence
Mr. Auwal Hassan gave the staff strength of the University with a total number of 397 academic staff, comprising 18 Professors; 9 Readers; 57 Senior Lecturers; 113 Lecturer; 47 Lecturer 11; 76 Assistant Lecturers; and 77 Graduate Assistants.
“On Staff Development and Support, the university has consistently prioritized staff welfare and development, implementing various initiatives to enhance working conditions, including timely salary payment and financial benefits”, he said.
“Numerous academic staff have been promoted since December 2022, with full payment of promotion arrears. In 2022 Five Professors, Two Readers and 19 Senior Lecturers were promoted, while in 2023 six professors, four Readers and 17 senior lecturers were elevated; as two professors, five Readers and 20 senior lecturers were so far promoted this year “.
The Varsity PRO said that the Bauchi state government is committed to improving the university’s physical infrastructure, including the construction of access roads and staff quarters, while requests for perimeter fencing and additional hostel blocks are receiving positive consideration from the government.
Hassan disclosed that the state government recently approved the release of N153 million for NUC accreditation of courses, as SAZU received financial and in-kind support from the government for its maiden combined convocation.
“The university council has been given a free hand for employment of staff, employing over 160 qualified staff and advertising for more academic staff. It has also implemented payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and other benefits, while staff are covered by the state government’s retirement and death benefit policy”.
He assured that SAZU remained committed to providing a conducive academic environment and supporting staff growth, and urged the public to disregard misleading reports and henceforth verify information through official channels.
It could be recalled that ASUU Bauchi Zone at its press conference weekend at NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi hinted that no less than 30 PhD holder staff of the University have downed tools, attributable to what the union linked to, among others, poor remuneration, absence of employee’s exit policy, non- payment of entitlements.
