The management of Kaduna State University has rejected claims by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, KASU chapter, that more than 200 professors and other experienced academic staff have left the institution because of poor conditions of service.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, described the claim as misleading, saying movement of academic and non-teaching staff between universities is a global practice and should not automatically be linked to poor working conditions.
Musa made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday, following a two-week ultimatum issued by ASUU-KASU over the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and other welfare concerns.
ASUU-KASU Chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi, had claimed that the university was losing more than 200 professors and experienced academics, describing the situation as a serious loss of manpower.
However, KASU management urged the union to present its grievances objectively.
“The movement of academic and non-teaching staff between institutions is a global phenomenon and should not be misconstrued as evidence of poor working conditions,” Musa said.
KASU highlights research achievements
In defending the university’s academic environment, the Vice-Chancellor pointed to the continued presence of internationally recognised researchers at KASU.
He identified Prof. Ibrahim Inuwa Yahaya, Dr Daniel Shagaiya and Dr Abdullahi Zuntu as researchers ranked among the world’s top two per cent of scientists.
Musa also disclosed that the university had attracted more than £945,000 in research funding over the past three years.
University cites government investments
The Vice-Chancellor said the Kaduna State Government had invested more than N290 million in resource verification and accreditation of over 90 academic programmes.
He also mentioned KASU’s international collaborations with institutions including Benha University, the Institut Sains dan Unjuk Kerja in Jakarta and the Makkah International Centre for Qur’anic Guidance.
According to him, the university also secured a N1 billion TETFund competitive research grant for commercial agriculture research and development.
Management defends staff welfare
On staff welfare, Musa said the state government had cleared inherited salary arrears dating back to May 2022, paid SIWES allowances and maintained regular monthly salary payments.
He also cited more than N1 billion in scholarships and a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees as evidence of government support for students.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to ASUU-KASU to reconsider its position and return to negotiations.
He said the university remained committed to dialogue and constructive engagement in the interest of its staff, students and the continued stability of the institution.
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