The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, has embarked on an indefinite strike, citing poor working conditions, lack of pension and retirement schemes, and unpaid earned academic allowances as key reasons.

The decision was announced on Friday by the ASUU SAZU Chairperson, Auwal Nuhu, during a press conference held after a congress at the university’s Yuli campus.

Nuhu stated that the strike commenced on November 29, 2024, following a resolution passed by the union’s congress. He emphasized that the decision came after numerous failed attempts to engage the university administration and the Bauchi State Government in addressing their longstanding grievances.

“The branch, at its congress meeting held on Friday, November 29, 2024, in the presence of the NEC visitation team, reviewed the progress on its demonstration before the university,” Nuhu explained.

He added, “The congress noted the lack of readiness and commitment of the university administration and the government to attend to its demands. The congress stressed that it has exhausted all mechanisms, and all attempts to get the authorities to attend to its demands were fruitless.”

Nuhu described the current situation as “unbearable,” accusing the university management and state government of neglecting the welfare of academic staff.

“Our members are demoralized and left without any form of financial security after decades of service. This strike is a last resort after exhaustive dialogue and appeals,” the ASUU SAZU chairperson stated.

He insisted that the strike would remain in effect until tangible measures were taken to address their concerns.

The union’s grievances include a lack of retirement benefits, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances, which have reportedly led to the retirement of about 30 PhD holders from the institution.

The strike follows multiple warnings and attempts by the union to negotiate solutions, culminating in this indefinite action to demand meaningful reforms.