Bauchi Citizen Raises Concern About Delay in Implementing MoU with ASUU, SAZU Management
By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi
A concerned citizen of Bauchi, Shehu Abubakar Kilbori, and a public commentator raised an alarm about the delay in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Sa'adu Zungur University Administration.
He noted that following the timely and fatherly intervention by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State in December 2024, the university union suspended its strike action after a peaceful resolution was reached and a comprehensive MoU was signed to address long-standing grievances. Despite the governor's approval of an increase in the university's monthly subvention to facilitate the resolution of these issues, progress has been slow.
Kilbori expressed concern that recent updates from the ASUU Congress meeting Communiqué dated June 19, 2025, and two subsequent special bulletins have raised serious concerns. "It appears that the University Administration is frustrating the implementation of the MoU, barely halfway into the agreed timeframe."
According to him, some worrying allegations that could affect the smooth implementation of the MoU include:
- Withholding essential verification data related to staff entitlements and arrears
- Shifting agreed timelines and commitments
- Reported non-payment of staff salaries for May
Kilbori further revealed that the reported involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) following the publication of the Union's Communiqué indicates rising tensions and a potentially volatile situation that could have been avoided through proactive engagement and transparency.
He maintained that these developments are not only unfortunate but also threaten the spirit of partnership and progress envisioned by the state governor, Bala Mohammed. Failure to implement the MoU faithfully undermines the governor's goodwill and risks reigniting industrial disharmony on campus.
The commentator called on all relevant authorities, especially the University Management, to uphold the principles of transparency, dialogue, and accountability. Kilbori also respectfully urged His Excellency to consider the following:
1. Commissioning a progress audit to assess the status of the MoU implementation.
2. Requesting the immediate submission and consideration of the visitation Panel's report.
3. Issuing a firm reminder to the University administration to act in good faith and align its operations with the expectations of the Bauchi State government and the general public.
He emphasized that the future of students and the integrity of the institution must not be compromised, and the commitment of the state government must be matched by the sincerity and competence of those charged with executing its vision.
Signed: Shehu Abubakar Kilbori.
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Education