Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina KatsinaTimes, Monday, September 1, 2025
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) branch, has accused the Katsina State Government of gross neglect, warning that the institution is heading towards a crisis if urgent steps are not taken to address lingering issues.
Addressing journalists in Katsina, the branch chairman, Dr. Murtala Kwara, expressed disappointment over the government’s refusal to honour agreements and implement policies already approved at the federal level.
“For over two years, some of our demands have been pending, yet the state government continues to play games with the future of this university,” he lamented.
Controversial Salary Structure
The first major grievance raised by ASUU is the state’s failure to adopt the new federal salary structure already being implemented in federal universities. According to Dr. Kwara, the Katsina government introduced a strange and confusing salary model that does not reflect either the federal standard or the previous arrangement.
“What they did is neither here nor there. It is simply unacceptable,” he declared.
Pension Funds in Limbo
The union also accused the state of illegally deducting pension contributions from staff without giving them the right to choose pension administrators as required by law. For almost nine months, lecturers claim they do not know where their pension funds are being diverted.
Healthcare Scheme in Shambles
ASUU further criticised the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (KACHIMA), describing it as “a disaster.” Lecturers say the scheme is grossly underfunded, with health providers reportedly receiving only ₦400 per head to cater for patients.
“Even a strip of Panadol costs almost ₦300. How can ₦400 take care of meaningful healthcare for a month?” Dr. Kwara asked bitterly.
Threat to University Autonomy
The union also raised alarm over alleged plans by the state to hand over sensitive university operations, including information management, to a little-known private company. ASUU insists such a move would undermine the institution’s autonomy guaranteed by the University Miscellaneous Act of 2003.
“We have an ICT Directorate capable of handling these services. Outsourcing to an inexperienced company is both dangerous and unnecessary,” Dr. Kwara stressed.
ASUU confirmed that it had exhausted all channels of dialogue, writing several letters to the university council, management, and even Governor Dikko Umaru Radda himself, without receiving any positive response.
The union warned that if the government fails to act immediately, industrial action may become inevitable.
“This is only the preliminary stage of a trade dispute. If we don’t get a positive response soon, the next step will be unavoidable,” the chairman cautioned.
Message to Governor Radda
Sending a direct message to the governor, Dr. Kwara appealed:
“Your colleagues in the academic community are crying. We believe you value education, but your government is pushing UMYU to the brink. Rescue this university before it collapses.”
The press briefing paints a grim picture of rising discontent at Katsina’s premier state university, with ASUU warning that silence from the government could trigger a full-blown crisis.
