KASU Lecturers to commence indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, allowances
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) branch, has announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning February 11 over unresolved welfare issues.
In a letter addressed to the national body, signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Peter Adamu, and Secretary, Dr. Peter Waziri, the union cited the Kaduna State Government’s failure to address their longstanding grievances.
Key issues raised include the nonpayment of salaries for five months, May to September 2022 as well as 60 percent of September 2017 salaries and other withheld entitlements.
The union also highlighted outstanding Earned Academic Allowances from 2015 to 2020, unpaid Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances from 2016 to 2023, and the government’s failure to remit pension deductions from 2009 to 2019.
Additionally, lecturers are demanding the settlement of promotion arrears from 2019 to 2023 and the implementation of Group Life Insurance benefits for deceased academic staff from 2020 to date.
The union recalled that it had met with Governor Uba Sani on August 17, 2024, during which he pledged to settle the outstanding entitlements. Following the meeting, ASUU KASU sent a reminder through the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Mohammed Bello, on August 20, 2024, urging the government to fulfill its promise through an installment payment plan.
Further appeals were made on October 28, 2024, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. In another meeting held on December 17, 2024, the governor assured the university management and staff unions that payment arrangements would commence within three weeks.
However, after the deadline passed without any action, the union issued another reminder on January 17, 2025, seeking clarification on the promised payment plan.
With no response from the government, ASUU KASU stated that it had no option but to proceed with an indefinite strike to press home its demands.
The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities at the institution, further compounding the challenges faced by students and staff.
