The Kaduna State University (KASU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commended Governor Uba Sani for fully implementing the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
In a press briefing on Friday, the union noted that the implementation of the agreement and the commitment to the welfare of academic staff will enhance morale, improve productivity, and strengthen industrial relations.
The briefing, which was delivered by Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi and Comrade Silas Amos Bakut, chairman and secretary respectively, also recalled other welfare initiatives that Governor Uba Sani had earlier extended to their members.
According to the duo, the latest intervention represents a significant milestone in the development of the university, and it is expected to contribute to the overall advancement of the institution.
‘’We consider this development a positive demonstration of the state government’s recognition of the vital role of academic staff in advancing quality university education and sustainable development,’’ ASUU noted.
The union commended the Kaduna State government and the management of KASU for their commendable and exemplary handling of the earlier industrial action.
‘’For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that, at no point during the strike action, were the union or its members subjected to intimidation, threats or any form of harassment.
‘’Remarkably, our salaries were paid while the strike was still ongoing, and engagements between the union, the Government and University Management remained cordial, constructive and focused on addressing the fundamental issues in dispute.
‘’This approach represents a significant departure from some of the unfortunate experiences of the past and demonstrates a renewed commitment to mutual respect, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of industrial disputes,’’ ASUU disclosed.
The union also noted that the Governor Uba Sani administration has made positive progress in addressing ‘’several inherited welfare challenges affecting our members.’’
‘’Specifically, the government has addressed the 60 per cent withheld salary of 2017, paid outstanding Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances for the period 2016-2020 and settled five months of withheld salaries covering May to September 2022,’’ the union disclosed.
According to them, the governor has also ‘’advanced the sum of N300 million towards the settlement of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) arrears for the 2016-2020 academic sessions.’’
‘’Furthermore, the governing council and management of Kaduna State University are working collaboratively with the union towards resolving outstanding death benefits and promotion arrears dating from 2021,’’ ASUU added.
While commending the governor and the varsity management for demonstrating the leadership, courage and the political will required to address these longstanding challenges, the union noted that the interventions have brought considerable relief to affected members.
The ASUU executives also listed other initiatives that the Kaduna State government, under Governor Uba Sani, have extended to them in the last three and a half years to enhance staff welfare.
The union recalled that the governor approved about 10.2 hectares of land “for the KASU-ASUU Multipurpose Cooperative Society to develop the Academia Housing Estate, a mass housing project designed to benefit our members and other civil servants.”
‘’Beyond the land allocation, His Excellency graciously approved a subsidy of 4,000,000,00 for each beneficiary, amounting to approximately 400,000,000.00 for the project.
‘’This intervention has reduced the cost of a housing unit from 40,000,000.00 to 136,000,000.00, thereby making homeownership more accessible to the beneficiaries,’’ ASUU pointed out.
The union expressed appreciation for the genuine commitment in prioritising dialogue over confrontation and seeking sustainable solutions to their concerns, exhibited by government and KASU management.
‘’We reiterate our commitment to constructive engagement with the State Government, the Governing Council and University Management towards resolving all outstanding welfare issues, strengthening industrial harmony and positioning Kaduna State University among the leading universities in Nigeria and globally, ‘’ they promised.
ASUU also commended the invaluable contributions, leadership and commitment of the Commissioner of Education and Chairman of the Negotiation Committee, Emeritus Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo.
The union also praised the ‘’Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Ibrahim Umar; the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Professor Usman Abubakar; and all other members of the Negotiation Committee for their dedication and concerted efforts towards resolving the issues in dispute.’’
