The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sa’adu Zungur University branch, has warned that persistent delays by the university management in implementing its Memorandum of Understanding could force the union to resume its suspended strike.
The union said it has begun internal processes toward the action, describing it as a last resort to enforce its “legitimate demands.”
The warning was issued on Wednesday at a press conference on the Yuli Campus by Comrade Awwal Hussain Nuhu, Chairperson, and Comrade Saleh Rimi Bagudu, Secretary of ASUU SAZU.
According to the union, it should not be blamed if a strike occurs, as the responsibility rests with the university leadership for failing to meet its obligations under the MoU.
ASUU SAZU noted that it wrote to the University Governing Council on August 21 and December 4, 2025, reminding them of the agreed deadlines. It added that the ASUU Bauchi Zone also met with the Council and sent reminders on behalf of the ASUU National President. Although the administration promised compliance, the union said no commitment has been fulfilled and there has been no communication on the reasons for the delay.
The union urged authorities and stakeholders to intervene to preserve the renewed harmony within the university.
It commended Governor Bala Mohammed for increasing the school’s monthly allocation from N80 million to N400 million, acknowledging the positive impact on operations.
However, ASUU SAZU expressed concern over lapses that continue to erode these gains. It cited the failure to clear salary arrears despite the MoU mandating full payment within twelve months. The deadline expired on December 9, leaving three months unpaid.
It also faulted the slow rollout of the Contributory Pension Scheme. While deductions have begun, the actuarial valuation of the pension backlog has not been approved, leaving staff uncertain about retirement benefits. Entitlements of some deceased members also remain unsettled.
The union criticised what it described as poor communication, pointing out that letters on arrears and entitlements dated August 14, November 19 and December 4 received no response.
It further condemned partial payment of the 25 percent and 35 percent wage award arrears and insisted that all outstanding 2019 minimum wage adjustments be paid in one tranche.
After a one year review, the union said only thirty percent of the MoU has been implemented. Pending issues include unpaid pensions, incomplete allowances, the unreleased White Paper on the Visitation Panel Report, the non re advertisement of the bursar position and the lack of implementation of staff training and retention programmes.
The union concluded that while the visitor fulfilled his commitments and provided unprecedented financial support, what it described as the management’s lack of transparency and indifference has repeatedly hindered the MoU’s implementation.
