Concerns have been raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yusuf Maitama University in Kano regarding a potential conflict with the Kano State Government.
Accusing the government of disregarding their requests, the Union highlighted three critical issues affecting its members: improving conditions of service, enhancing and accelerating the university’s development through sustainable funding, and fortifying University Autonomy and Academic Freedom.
In a joint statement signed by the Branch Chairman, Comrade Mansur Said, and the Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Ahmed Gwarzo, it was expressed that multiple attempts to engage the state government in addressing their concerns had failed, prompting the union to bring these matters to the public’s attention.
ASUU emphasized the urgency of addressing outstanding issues such as the immediate payment of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) amounting to N178,705,735.91, as well as the Consequential Adjustment Arrears of N111,321,792.18.
The Union also called for the implementation of the newly-approved Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II) effective from January 1, 2023, a demand that is already in place in all Federal Universities but has yet to be addressed by the Kano State Government.
Additionally, ASUU requested the prompt payment of a provisional Wage Award of N35,000 for six months, a benefit that state civil servants have already received but university staff are still awaiting.
On the issue of University Funding, ASUU urged the Government to expedite the completion of ongoing projects and supplement TETFUND funding for academic staff training, citing challenges in budgetary allocations for capital projects which stood at 46% in 2023.
Regarding University Autonomy and Academic Freedom, the Union called for the reconstitution of the University Governing Council, stressing its essential role as mandated by law and how its absence impedes the functioning of the university administration.
ASUU appealed to the University Visitor to address these pressing matters to ensure industrial harmony in the institution.