Kano University ASUU Threatens Imminent Strike, Accuses Govt Of Neglect

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Yusuf Maitama University, Kano, has raised the alarm over a looming crisis with the Kano State Government.

The Union accused the government of neglecting its demands.

A statement jointly signed by the Branch Chairman and the Secretary, Comrade Mansur Said and Comrade Yusuf Ahmed Gwarzo, respectively, on Wednesday, said three pivotal issues bothering its members were enhancing conditions of service, boosting and hastening the University’s growth through sustainable funding, and strengthening and protecting University Autonomy and Academic Freedom.

The union said they were constrained to bring the issues to the public after several efforts to make the state government attend to their demands failed.

According to the ASUU, ‘’Condition of Service: The branch demands the immediate payment of the outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), totalling one hundred and seventy-eight million, seven hundred and five thousand, seven hundred and thirty-five naira and ninety-one kobo (N178,705,735.91) only.

“The general public may wish to note that recently the Union reached an agreement with KNSG in which it promised to pay this sum in four instalments starting from April 2024. However, to our dismay, there has been no release for the first instalment to date.

“The Union also demands the payment of the outstanding Consequential Adjustment Arrears, which stand at one hundred and eleven million, three hundred and twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-two naira; eighteen kobo (N111,321,792.18) only.’

‘’Furthermore, the Union is requesting the implementation of the newly-approved Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II), with an effective date set for January 1, 2023. Gentlemen of the press, this salary increase has already been implemented in ALL Federal Universities. We communicated this to KNSG, but there has not been any positive response regarding implementation.

‘’Lastly, in relation to the conditions of service, the Union requests the payment of a provisional Wage Award of N35,000 for six months, approved by the Federal Government.

“The general public may wish to know that civil servants of the state were already paid this provisional award by the KNSG for two months. However, the members of our Union and supporting staff in the university are yet to receive a single kobo.

‘’University Funding: Furthermore, we request the Government to expedite action towards completing ongoing projects by the state government. We also request the State government to supplement TETFUND funding for academic staff training.

“The branch observes that funding has been a major challenge for the University since its inception, as budgetary appropriations for capital projects have never been fully released; THE BUDGETARY PERFORMANCE WAS JUST 46% IN 2023. We implore the Visitor to improve University funding.

‘’University Autonomy and Academic Freedom: The Union urgently calls for the reconstitution of the University Governing Council. We emphasize the strategic importance, as per the law, of the University Governing Council and the extent to which its absence undermines the University administration.’’

ASUU urged the Visitor to the University to intensify efforts in resolving those brewing issues in the interest of industrial harmony.