The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi, has announced a total and indefinite strike to press for the fulfillment of its demands from the university management. The decision was made following an emergency congress held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the university’s Yuli Campus in Bauchi. The strike is aimed at addressing ongoing grievances that the union claims have not been adequately addressed by the university administration.
Comrade Awwal Hussain Nuhu, the ASUU chairperson at SAZU, addressed journalists after the congress, explaining the reasons behind the strike. “The strike was declared as a result of the resolutions reached during the congress,” Nuhu said, emphasizing that the union had reviewed the status of their demands. The congress was attended by the National Executive Council (NEC) visitation team, which provided further insight into the branch’s ongoing issues with the university management.
The union chairperson explained that the congress critically reassessed the progress made regarding their demands. According to Nuhu, the outcome was disappointing, as the university management and government showed no genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of the union. “The congress observed a lack of readiness and commitment from the university administration and government to address our demands,” he stated, noting that despite several attempts to engage the authorities, no meaningful response had been forthcoming.
Nuhu also pointed out that all available mechanisms for resolving the issues had been exhausted without success. “All attempts to get the authorities to act had been unsuccessful,” he added. With no progress in sight, the congress unanimously agreed to escalate the situation by declaring a strike, following a motion that was moved and seconded by members of the union.
As a result, the congress passed a resolution for a “comprehensive and indefinite strike until further notice.” Nuhu confirmed that the strike action officially began at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, and would continue until the university management addresses the union’s concerns. “No academic activity or meeting of any kind will take place during this period,” he stressed, urging all union members to comply with the strike order.
The ASUU chairperson was clear in his directives, stating, “Members are directed to embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike until further notice.” This includes suspending all academic activities, such as teaching, marking, meetings, and accreditation processes, as well as any other duties traditionally carried out by academic staff. The strike is expected to disrupt university operations until a resolution is reached.
