Bauchi Governor Gives 8-Week Ultimatum to Panel to Resolve SAZU Crisis
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed the newly inaugurated Visitation Panel for Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) to resolve the ongoing unrest caused by disputes between the university management and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The Governor has given the panel an eight-week ultimatum to find solutions to the crisis that has significantly disrupted teaching and learning at the university.
At the inauguration of the panel, Governor Mohammed emphasized the urgency of their task in restoring normalcy at SAZU, stating that his administration recognizes education as the cornerstone for sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the unrest, which include unresolved financial issues and long-standing disagreements between the university’s management, ASUU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
The panel is tasked with reviewing the university’s financial operations and developing strategies for effective management that can foster harmony and collaboration between the various parties involved. Governor Mohammed expressed confidence that the panel would come up with lasting solutions to the issues that have plagued the institution, despite earlier interventions by his administration.
The chairperson of the panel, Prof. Gambo Laraba, thanked the Governor for entrusting the panel with the responsibility and assured him that they would deliver a comprehensive report that would guide necessary reforms in the university.
The ASUU chapter at SAZU had previously suspended an indefinite strike, which was triggered by unresolved issues, including non-implementation of pension and death benefits, unpaid allowances, and the appointment of a polytechnic graduate as bursar—an appointment that was deemed contrary to the laws governing the university. The strike suspension came after Governor Mohammed personally engaged with the union in mid-December 2024.
