The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Bauchi State-owned Sa’adu Zungur University has declared an indefinite strike.
Announcing the decision on Friday during a press conference held after a congress at the university’s Yuli campus, ASUU SAZU Chairperson, Auwal Nuhu, cited several reasons for the action.
These include the absence of pension and retirement schemes, poor working conditions, and unpaid earned academic allowances.
Auwal, who stated that the strike commenced on Friday, November 29, 2024, explained further that “The branch, at its congress meeting held on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the presence of the NEC visitation team reviewed the progress on its demonstration before the university
“The congress noted the lack of readiness and commitment of the university administration and the government to attend to its demands
“The congress stressed that it has exhausted all mechanisms, and all attempts to get the authorities to attend to its demands which were fruitless.”
He added, “The congress passed a resolution for the branch to embark on comprehensive and indefinite strike action until further notice total.”
Auwal described the situation as “unbearable” and accused the university management and Bauchi State Government of failing to address longstanding grievances despite repeated calls for intervention.
“We cannot continue to work under these conditions. Our members are demoralised and left without any form of financial security after decades of service. This strike is a last resort after exhaustive dialogue and appeals,” ASUU SAZU chairperson stated.
He insisted that the strike will not end until tangible measures are taken to resolve their concerns.
PUNCH reports that the indefinite strike followed several warnings on several occasions by the union including a notification of retirement of about 30 PhDs.