In a rebuttal to recent reports alleging the mass resignation of over 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) due to poor salaries, the University management has categorically dismissed the claims as “untrue, baseless, and unfounded.”
The University’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan, emphasized that no such resignations have been recorded, describing the reports as “misleading, inaccurate, and unfounded.”
The University’s statement clarified that, contrary to the media reports, “only six PhDs have exited or are away from the University in the past year and ten months,” due to reasons unrelated to salary concerns. The departures included dismissals for disciplinary reasons and staff on sabbatical or other leaves.
SAZU boasts a robust academic staff of 397, including 80 PhD holders, distributed across various academic ranks.
The university, supported by Governor Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has prioritized staff welfare, ensuring timely salary payments and promotions. Since December 2022, numerous academic staff have been promoted, with full payment of promotion fees.
Further initiatives to enhance staff development include training programs on grant-winning proposal writing, conducted in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation. The University actively nominates and sponsors staff for training opportunities with various educational bodies.
In addition to financial support for academic excellence, the Bauchi State Government has approved N153 million for NUC course accreditation. The University has also initiated infrastructure projects, including road construction and plans for perimeter fencing and additional hostel facilities.
SAZU management highlighted its commitment to maintaining a conducive academic environment and supporting the professional growth of its staff.
“We value our PhD holders and academic staff, recognizing their critical role in advancing academic excellence,” the statement concluded, urging the public to disregard the misleading reports and verify information through official channels.