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.
