The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised concerns over the alarming exodus of 30 trained PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University.
This brain drain is attributed to the university’s deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions.
According to ASUU Bauchi Zone’s Zonal Coordinator, Namo Timothy, the university’s lack of an employee exit policy has forced many top scholars to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Furthermore, SAZU does not have pension or death benefit schemes in place, unlike the structured public service regulation in the country.
“The absence of these benefits makes our members feel insecure about their future,” Timothy emphasized.
He also criticized the university’s administration for failing to pay over N650 million in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
Despite generating substantial revenue from postgraduate programs, the university has not compensated staff for their contributions, Timothy added.
Other pressing issues include steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.
The union accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare, despite recent fee hikes exceeding 100% for regular undergraduate programs.
This neglect has created an unfavorable work environment, driving talented academics away from the institution.
