Strike: ASUU misrepresenting facts — KASU VC

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, has refuted the claims made by the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that 200 lecturers have resigned due to poor working conditions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prof. Ibrahim Musa stated that ASUU merely fabricated figures, calling the claim misleading and unsupported by the university’s records, and advised everyone to disregard it.

The Vice Chancellor explained that staff movements resulting from resignations, retirements, transfers, and pursuit of other professional opportunities are normal within the university system. He stressed these should not be presented without context as evidence of worsening working conditions.

He challenged ASUU to provide verifiable evidence, including the identities of those allegedly resigning, the dates of resignation, and the reasons for faculty members leaving Kaduna State University.

“Public discourse concerning an institution as important as KASU must be guided by facts and verifiable records, not sweeping assertions capable of creating unnecessary anxiety among students, parents, and the university community,” he warned.

The VC also highlighted that Governor Uba Sani has cleared a backlog of salary arrears and generally improved the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff since assuming office.

“Over the last three years, the administration has released over N800 million for staff welfare, in addition to N146 million to settle withheld salaries and outstanding SIWES allowances inherited from previous administrations,” he added.

‘’KASU has consequently cleared these inherited withheld salary obligations, demonstrating the Government’s resolve to address longstanding staff welfare issues,’’ the Vice Chancellor disclosed.

The statement revealed that the Kaduna State Government, the university management, and KASU’s branch of ASUU have also established a joint intervention of N50 million to support the university.

‘’In 2026 alone, the government has disbursed over N200 million in overhead funding to support daily operations, including laboratory chemicals and reagents, students’ field trips, examinations, and other essential academic activities,’’ Prof Musa added.

According to him, Kaduna State Government ‘’has also invested over N300 million in the accreditation of more than 57 academic programs and resource verification exercises for 60 postgraduate programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

‘’The university has also secured full accreditation for seven professional programs from relevant regulatory bodies, including those responsible for Nursing and Midwifery and Physiotherapy, as well as full accreditation for its newly established Digital Learning Center,’’ he added.

The VC noted that KASU’s academic and research capacity has expanded significantly, with the establishment of 14 research centers and two specialized institutes, including the Digital Learning Institute, to promote multidisciplinary research, innovation, professional development, and knowledge transfer.

‘’The university has also introduced professional development initiatives, including summer training programs for teachers and other professionals. KASU also secured a N1 billion competitive TETFund grant for commercial agriculture.

‘’The university’s researchers have secured seven high-profile international research grants over the past three years, along with several national and institutional grants, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of KASU’s research community,’’ he added.

The statement mentioned that Governor Uba Sani has also prioritized access and affordability by reducing tuition fees across Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions, including KASU, thereby easing the financial burden on students and their families.

‘’This is complemented by the payment of over N1.6 billion in local and foreign scholarships to indigent students, supporting deserving Kaduna State students studying within Nigeria and abroad,’’ the statement recalled.

‘’KASU has also expanded its international academic and research partnerships with institutions and organizations in Russia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, China, and other countries, creating opportunities for collaborative research, academic mobility, and capacity development,’’ the VC added.

The statement argued that ‘’these are tangible and measurable actions that demonstrate the administration’s ongoing commitment to staff welfare, academic excellence, affordability, research, and the overall development of Kaduna State University.’’