By Ahmed Ahmed
The Academic Staff Union of Sa’adu Zungur University (ASUU-SAZU) Gadau chapter,Bauchi State has called on the State Government to urgently establish a robust pension scheme for the well-being of the academic staff of the University.
The Chairperson of the ASUU-SAZU Bauchi Chapter, Comrade Awwal Hussaini Nuhu made the call at a news conference on Saturday in Bauchi.
He noted that the absence of a well-defined pension scheme for its staff has jeopardised the financial security of our dedicated members who have served this institution diligently.
“This university is more than twelve years old, yet none of the staff knows his/her fate after retirement or the fate of his/her family after his/her ultimate exit.
“Therefore, we are calling upon the State Government to urgently establish a robust pension scheme that ensures the long-term well-being of the academic staff of the University,” Nuhu
The Chairperson further called on Gov Bala Mohammed,the University’s Governing Council, University Administration and other stakeholders to look into their several critical matters that require immediate action.
“Our commitment to the welfare of academic staff and the advancement of this institution compels us to raise these concerns.
“We also demand for prompt payment of any outstanding arrears owed to academic staff. Delayed payments create undue financial strain and affect morale.
“We further call for Implementation of Wage award and payment of arrears, wage award of 35% and 25%,
He added “effective from January 2023. Many universities across the country (Federal and State) have implemented the wage awards,”
Mr Nuhu also explained that Excess workload allowance (EWLA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) are integral to recognizing the additional efforts put forth by our members.
“These allowances compensate for research, administrative duties, and other academic responsibilities,” he said.
He regretted that the University administration and the Governing Council have been handling this issue with laxity.
The Chairperson also appeal to the government to religiously abide by the 2% and 5% of the State and Local Governments monthly grants
“That is, respectively, allocated for the funding of the University as stipulated in the University Law to enable it carry out its activities effectively and efficiently,” he Said.