The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, has praised the Kaduna State Government led by Governor Uba Sani for tackling some long-standing problems facing the university.
Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, the chairman of ASUU-KASU, spoke at a press briefing in Kaduna about the union’s ultimatum to the state government. He mentioned the poor working conditions and other issues affecting the university.
Dr Abdullahi said the union’s comments were not meant to attack the government. Instead, they wanted to highlight areas that need more attention to make the university stronger.
He recognized some steps the current administration has taken. The union will continue to praise the government when it addresses issues affecting the university.
"Where you have done something, we commend you, and where there is an issue, we bring it to your attention to address," he said.
The chairman noted that the government had resolved some of the issues from past agreements with the union, especially those about salaries and allowances.
According to him, out of around 10 issues the union raised, three have been handled while seven are still pending.
He expressed that the union was happy with the government's review of an earlier decision on school fees. ASUU had opposed the fee hike because of how it could affect students.
"When the current government came about, they reviewed the decision and we commend them for that," he said.
Abdullahi emphasized that ASUU's efforts are not just for its members' welfare. They are also focused on protecting the university system and ensuring that tertiary education in Kaduna State stays competitive.
He said the union sees its roles as including teaching, research, and community service.
The chairman also praised KASU’s accomplishments. He said the school has done well compared to other universities, despite the challenges it faces.
He described KASU as an institution that can serve Kaduna State for many years if it gets the right support.
"Roads would come and go. Physical infrastructure would not live more than 30 to 50 years. But KASU is an institution we hope and pray will still be here for the next 100 or 200 years," he said.
He added that the university has started off well and has achieved success that can be compared to established universities.
"I am not even talking about state universities. Federally established universities, first-generation universities, we go to places and we beat them, hands down," Abdullahi said.
He called for continued government support, better staff welfare, and proper funding. This will help the school keep its academic staff and maintain its standards.
Regarding the two-week ultimatum, Abdullahi explained that the union is not eager to go on strike. They prefer to talk to the government.
"Usually, people have this wrong notion that ASUU always wants to embark on strike. That is not our desire or passion," he said.
He stated that the purpose of the briefing was to bring the issues to the attention of the government and the public, hoping they will be resolved before the ultimatum ends.
He mentioned that ASUU is always ready for talks with the government. He stressed that peace and stability in the university benefit everyone involved.
"Even if the government calls us now, we are ready to move. Anything that will bring peace to the system, stability, that is what we want," he said.
Abdullahi also urged the government to carry out the new Federal Government-ASUU agreement. He believes it could help both university staff and the administration through better funding and management.
He asked the state government to view the unresolved issues as a chance to strengthen KASU and create a lasting impact in education.
"The government has the opportunity to write its name in gold by actually fixing a problem system they inherited," he said.
The ASUU-KASU chairman stated that Kaduna, known as a center of learning, should lead in educational development and not let other states surpass it in this area.
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