ASUU commends Kaduna Govt over KASU funding
University Union Commends Kaduna State Government for Progress
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kaduna State University (KASU) has acknowledged the Kaduna State Government’s efforts in addressing some longstanding challenges faced by the institution.
Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, chairman of ASUU-KASU, conveyed this sentiment during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he discussed the union’s recent ultimatum to the government regarding substandard working conditions and other issues impacting the university.
Abdullahi emphasized that the union’s intent was not to criticize the government but to highlight areas that still require attention to enhance the university’s operations.
He commended the administration for its initiatives thus far, affirming that the union would recognize the government’s positive actions while continuing to raise concerns where necessary. “When you have done something, we commend you, and where there is an issue, we bring it to your attention to address,” he stated.
The chairman noted that the government has made progress on some issues outlined in past agreements with the union, including salary and allowance matters. Out of the approximately ten issues presented, he indicated that three have been resolved, leaving seven outstanding.
One significant area of progress highlighted by Abdullahi was the government’s reconsideration of a previous increase in school fees, which the union opposed due to its adverse effects on students. “We commend them for that,” he said.
Abdullahi asserted that ASUU’s focus extends beyond the welfare of its members, encompassing the broader health of the university system and ensuring the competitiveness of tertiary education in Kaduna State.
He praised KASU’s accomplishments, stating that the university has performed well compared to others, despite facing challenges. He expressed optimism for the institution’s future, underscoring its potential to serve the state for generations if properly supported.
“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 added.
Abdullahi urged for continued government support, enhanced staff welfare, and adequate funding to help retain the university’s academic workforce and uphold its standards.
Regarding the two-week ultimatum, he clarified that ASUU is not keen on initiating an industrial action, stressing that dialogue remains the preferred route. “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 university’s challenges to the attention of both the government and the public, aiming for resolution before the ultimatum expires. The union is prepared to engage in discussions at any time to ensure peace and stability within the institution.
Additionally, Abdullahi called on the government to implement the new Federal Government-ASUU agreement, suggesting that its provisions could enhance both staff conditions and university management.
He urged the state government to view the unresolved challenges as an opportunity to strengthen KASU and establish a lasting impact on the education sector. “The government has the opportunity to write its name in gold by actually fixing a problem system they inherited,” he remarked.
Abdullahi stressed that Kaduna, historically recognized as a center of learning, should remain a leader in educational development and deter other states from surpassing it in this domain.
