We are Disappointed with Management, Gov. Council After MoU Elapses -- ASUU SAZU
By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sa'adu Zungur University chapter, Bauchi state, has expressed disappointment over what they described as the lackadaisical attitude shown by the school management and the governing council of the institution over the non-implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the key actors of the school.
The union chairperson, Comrade Auwal Hassan Nuhu, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the institution, Yuli Campus, on Wednesday. He expressed more concern over the action and inaction taken by the management for not recognizing the agreement after the intervention by the visitor, through all means.
The Chairperson continued that they have no option rather than to take a decision on the next line of action. He noted that "the management has failed to honour their obligation, despite receiving unprecedented funding in the history of the university. The management intentionally skipped three (3) months of salary arrears, payment which usually comes after monthly salary. This action is unjustifiable, insensitive, and a direct violation of the agreement."
The union also expressed deep dissatisfaction regarding the implementation of the contributory pension scheme, noting that although deductions have commenced, the actual valuation of the pension backlog has already been completed and duly submitted, and they have not received the required government response.
Nuhu added that it has become necessary to update the relevant stakeholders and the public on the wide communication gap between the union and the University management, which has been the opening item of the MoU. ASUU-SAZU has repeatedly written formal correspondences seeking clarification, updates, and engagement on issues relating to the MoU implementation, yet the management has either ignored or refused to acknowledge most of these letters.
Citing the union's earlier demand on a letter dated 14/08/2025 on paltry payment of their wage arrears, which received no response, and another letter dated 19/11/2025, seeking clarification on the status of non-payment of some of their members' entitlements, which was similarly disregarded, the union noted that it is on a very painful note that they draw the attention of stakeholders and the general public to the deliberate, persistent, and unjustifiable lapses of the University management, which have undermined the gains secured through the visitor's goodwill.
Foremost is the management's failure to clear the backlog of salary arrears as clearly stated within the period of not more than 12 months, which expired on December 9, 2025, yet they have failed to honour this obligation.
Comrade Nuhu further acknowledged that ASUU-SAZU has written to the governing council regarding meeting the deadline as contained in the MoU. The correspondences were dated 21/08/2025 and 4/12/2025, and reminded them about the deadline in the MoU where it promised to do the needful within the stipulated timeframe.
Consequently, "the union has already initiated the internal processes required for resuming the earlier suspended strike as a final option to press home its legitimate demands," he said. He also lamented that the union should therefore be completely spared from any blame should this avoidable action eventually take place, as the responsibility lies squarely with the University management's failure to honour its obligations and uphold the terms of the MoU.
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EDUCATION