The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kaduna State University (KASU) has declared an indefinite strike action beginning February 11, citing unresolved welfare issues. The announcement was made in a letter penned by Dr. Peter Adamu, Chairman, and Dr. Peter Waziri, Secretary, to the national body of ASUU, seeking endorsement for the strike.
The letter elaborates on the union’s decision to strike due to the lack of response from the Kaduna State Government to their grievances. Among the key issues raised:
- Non-payment of salaries for five months spanning from May to September 2022.
- Omission of 60% of September 2017 salaries along with other withheld payments to academic staff.
- Lack of payment for Earned Academic Allowances from 2015 to 2020.
- Unpaid funds for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme from 2016 to 2023.
Additionally, the union highlighted:
- Unremitted pensions from 2009 to 2019.
- Outstanding promotion arrears from 2019 to 2023.
- Group Life Insurance benefits for deceased academic staff which have not been paid since 2020.
The lecturers noted previous engagements with Governor Uba Sani, including a meeting on August 17, 2024, where the governor pledged to address these financial obligations. Following this, the union sent reminders through the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Mohammed Bello, on August 20, 2024, about the governor’s promise to pay in installments. Further appeals were made on October 28, 2024, to expedite the resolution of these welfare issues. All of these appeals and reminders were met with deaf ears.
On December 17, 2024, another meeting took place at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House involving the governor, KASU management, and unions, where it was promised that payment processes would commence within three weeks. However, as of January 7, 2025, no steps toward payment had been initiated, prompting the union to send a reminder letter on January 17, 2025.
The union expressed frustration over the government’s silence and inaction, stating, “We are appealing for your prompt intervention to consolidate on the gains of the previous deliberations and agreement made, to forestall industrial dispute and crisis in KASU.” With no resolution in sight, ASUU at KASU has decided to proceed with the strike to compel the government to address these long-standing financial and welfare issues.
