Yobe varsity ASUU demands immediate release of Earned Academic Allowance, promotion arrears
By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yobe State University Branch, has called on the management of the institution to release its members Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and promotion arrears.
Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Branch Chairman, made the call at a news conference in Damaturu.
Ibrahim, who appreciated the government for approving the payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) amounting to N145.7 million, however, chided the University administration for the delay in releasing the funds.
“ASUU YSU demands the immediate release of these funds, along with other unpaid allowances, including postgraduate facilitation allowance, consultancy teaching allowance, and withheld responsibility allowances.
“The union also demands the immediate payment of N77.5 million promotion arrears for its members from 2018 to 2023,” he said.
He said the demands were discussed by members of the union at its recent emergency congress, which focused on some critical issues relating to abuse of administrative procedures in the institution.
Ibrahim highlighted some of the issues raised at the congress to include transportation challenges for students and unlawful appointments.
Others were : neglect of part-time and casual workers, promotion arrears, inadequate student accommodation, among others.
Ibrahim noted that the removal of fuel subsidy had led to a significant increase in transportation costs to and from the University, thereby causing hardship for students, staff, and parents.
The called for the provision of additional buses and the establishment of three more locations for conveying of students.
The chairman also condemned the illegal occupation of the Registrar’s office by one Dr. Kalli Gazali whom the union accused of remaining in office, signing university documents and attending meetings even as he retired since September 2023.
The union also frowned at the vacant position of the institution’s Bursar since the incumbent was appointed Permanent Secretary by Yobe government.
“ASUU YSU called for the appointment of a new Bursar based on the already conducted interview, which followed the prescribed procedures.
It noted that the existing female hostels were inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students, leading to additional costs and hardships.
The union extended its appreciation to Gov. Mai Mala Buni for approving minimum wage for workers in Jan. 2023.
In a swift response, Dr. Muhammad Lawan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Services, said most of the issues raised by the union were being taken care of by the management.
He said that the management of the university had requested for the list of beneficiaries from the union for payment of allowances.
Lawal added that the university management was doing everything possible to ensure the smooth running of the institution.