The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK) has taken a decisive step by engaging the media to highlight the persisting challenges facing the institutionThe move comes after unsuccessful attempts to address concerns with the Kano State Government (KNSG), sparking fears of an impending crisis.

At the heart of ASUU YUMSUK’s struggle lie three critical issues: the enhancement of members’ conditions of service, the urgent need for sustainable funding to bolster the university’s growth, and the imperative to safeguard university autonomy and academic freedom.

One of the primary demands put forth by the union revolves around the immediate settlement of outstanding financial obligations, including the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Consequential Adjustment Arrears. The total sum owed amounts to a staggering ₦178,705,735.91 and ₦111,321,792.18, respectively. Despite assurances from the KNSG to pay these dues in installments starting April 2024, no funds have been disbursed thus far, leaving members disillusioned.

Additionally, ASUU YUMSUK insists on the implementation of the Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II), which has already been adopted by federal universities but remains unaddressed by the state government. The union also highlights the disparity in the payment of a provisional Wage Award, further underscoring the neglect faced by its members.

The union’s plea for expedited action on completing ongoing projects and augmenting funding for academic staff training reflects the dire need for adequate financial support. With budgetary allocations for capital projects consistently falling short, the university’s growth trajectory has been stifled, as evidenced by a mere 46% budgetary performance in 2023. ASUU YUMSUK calls upon the university’s Visitor to prioritize bolstering funding mechanisms to propel the institution forward.

University Autonomy and Academic Freedom:

Central to ASUU YUMSUK’s concerns is the urgent call for the reconstitution of the University Governing Council, a pivotal entity crucial for effective university administration. The absence of this council undermines the autonomy and decision-making processes within the institution, hindering progress and exacerbating tensions.

In a joint statement, Com. Mansur Said and Com. Yusuf Ahmed Gwarzo, respectively serving as Branch Chairperson and Branch Secretary, implore the university’s Visitor to intervene and address these pressing issues in the interest of fostering industrial harmony.

As the standoff between ASUU YUMSUK and the KNSG persists, the fate of Yusuf Maitama Sule University hangs in the balance, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting a resolution to avert a potential crisis and safeguard the future of academia in Kano State.

The union’s unwavering commitment to advocating for its members’ rights serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector and underscores the critical need for concerted efforts to revitalize and sustain academic institutions across the nation.

Kano state government expressed readiness to revive all abandoned garment clusters initiated by administration of former governor engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The state commissioner of commerce and Industry Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya gave the assurance during a visit to Kura garment industry on condition assessment.

Adamu Kibiya expressed dismay over the current condition of the center as the previous government abandoned the project, which was initiated to provide jobs and boost the state economy.

He said, with the return of Kwankwasiyya government under engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, they are fully determine to revive all the industries across the 44 local government areas in the state.

Adamu Kibiya explained that, immediately after he was swon-in, as Kano governor, engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf set up a committee to look into the garment clusters and advice the govt on how to revive it.

”So with the level of commitment demonstrated by the governor, all the aims and objectives of establishing the industries will be achieve”

On his part, permanent secretary of the ministry, Muhammad Yusuf Danduwa said, the machines were purchased in 2014 at over 250 thousands Dollars for each of the local government.

He said, the idea behind the project was to provide jobs to the teaming youth of Kano, and boost the economy for the development of the state.

”’The plan was that, all students uniforms for both public and private schools are produce by the industries”

Danduwa said with the able leadership of Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and dedication of the commissioner Adamu Kibiya all the industries”will see the light of the day

REMAPSEN, an African media network, has appointed Khadija Aliyu as Deputy National Coordinator for its Nigeria office.
This announcement was made in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bamboo Yousuf.

Khadija Aliyu is an ace broadcaster and a senior correspondent with Radio Nigeria. She graduated from the Department of Mass Communications at Bayero University Kano in 2008 and later obtained a master’s degree in Communication Studies from the same institution.”

REMAPSEN, AN OVERVIEW
REMAPSEN is an African media network for the promotion of good health and environment.

It was established on June 13, 2020 by some journalists in the Francophone countries with passion for public health concerns as they affect children and women as well as environment.

The aim is to build a network of African journalists who are committed to using their platforms to help people overcome challenges from health emergencies, epidemics and other health concerns, and environment issues.

The Nigerian arm; REMAPSEN NIGERIA, was inaugurated at an international conference of the forum in Lome, Togo on 23rd November, 2023, along with Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania and other Anglophone countries.

REMAPSEN International headquarters currently sits at Abidjan, capital of Cote d’ivoire with Mr Bamba Youssouf as the President.