ASUU tackles Bauchi varsity over members’ deaths

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has refuted the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) management’s claim of only one staff member dying since the establishment of the Bauchi State-owned university about 12 years ago.

In a statement, ASUU chairperson, Dr Auwal Hussain revealed that at least seven staff members have died in active service without receiving the death benefits stipulated by law.

Hussain criticised the university for downplaying these deaths, stating, “By deliberately downplaying the deaths, the university sends a disheartening message to the current serving staff that their contributions may be shortly forgotten after their death.”

He highlighted the cases of Dr. Abdulqadir Musa Badara, Maryam Zangoma, Mr. Godwin, Salim Abubakar, Nasiru Saidu, Mohammed Manu, and Muhammad Garba Imam, all of whom were active staff members.

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He warned that this situation might compel many staff to reconsider their tenure at SAZU, following the trend of over 30 academic staff who have left for neighbouring institutions.

“The union will do everything possible until their due benefits are duly paid to them,” he assured.

Hussain noted that the university’s failure to accurately account for deceased staff further validates ASUU’s claims regarding the high turnover of PhD holders at the institution.

He emphasised the need for the administration to address the backlog of academic and excess workload allowances owed to union members.