200 Kaduna varsity lecturers resign, ASUU showdown looms

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Kaduna State University, KASU, chapter, has raised concern over the departure of more than 200 lecturers.

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Chairman of ASUU-KASU, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed this at a press conference on Monday in Kaduna.

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He said the lecturers, including professors, left the institution due to poor conditions of service and non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.

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The Union also issued a two-week ultimatum to the Kaduna State Government and university authorities to implement and domesticate the agreement.

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The union warned that failure to act within the period could result in a total and indefinite strike at the university.

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Abdullahi said most of the lecturers who left the institution secured appointments in newer universities within and outside Kaduna State.

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He attributed the development to poor remuneration and declining welfare conditions in the university.

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According to him, the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement took effect in January 2026.

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He said the agreement provided improved conditions of service for academic staff in Nigerian universities.

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The chairman, however, noted that implementation had yet to commence at Kaduna State University.

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Abdullahi said the union had written several letters to the university management and governing council on the matter.

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He added that the Visitor to the university, Gov. Uba Sani, had also been notified.

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According to him, the union engaged various stakeholders to ensure industrial harmony and stability within the institution.

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He expressed concern that more than eight months after the agreement was signed, implementation was yet to begin.

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Abdullahi said many federal universities and some state-owned institutions had already commenced implementation.

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He added that some universities had also announced timelines for payment of accrued arrears.

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The chairman said the delay had made KASU academic staff among the least-paid university workers nationwide.

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He noted that the situation contrasted with the university’s previous reputation for prioritising staff welfare.

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Abdullahi warned that continued delay would lead to the accumulation of salary arrears from January 2026.

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He said the exodus of experienced lecturers could negatively affect teaching, research and academic development.

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According to him, replacing highly skilled academics would take years and require significant resources.

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The chairman said the union congress met on Aug. 12 and reviewed the situation.

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He said the congress resolved to declare an industrial dispute over the matter.

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Abdullahi added that the decision aligned with a resolution of ASUU’s National Executive Council.

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He said the council meeting was held at the University of Abuja on Aug. 8 and 9.

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The chairman said the ultimatum followed established procedures for resolving industrial disputes.

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He explained that the period would allow authorities to take concrete steps toward implementation of the agreement.

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Abdullahi also listed unresolved local issues affecting members of the union.

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The issues include university autonomy, excessive workload, promotion arrears and death benefits.

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Others are group life insurance coverage, wage awards and pension remittances.

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He urged relevant authorities to address the concerns with urgency.

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The chairman said timely intervention would help preserve peace and stability within the university.

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He also appealed to parents and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at averting industrial action.

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Abdullahi reaffirmed the union’s commitment to pursuing its demands through lawful means.

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He expressed hope that government and university authorities would act before the ultimatum expires.

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