The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina chapter, has called for the implementation of the Unified University Salary
By Zubairu Idris
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina chapter, has called for the implementation of the Unified University Salary Scale by the Katsina State Government.
Its Chairman, Mr Murtala Kwarah, made the call on Monday in Katsina at a press briefing.
He explained that one of the strict National Universities Commission’s (NUC) conditions for establishing a university in Nigeria was uniformity in service, which was applicable to both federal and state universities.
Kwarah said, “It is disheartening, however, to note that, UMYU remains the only institution within Sokoto Zone, where the scale has not been fully implemented.
“Staff in the institution are yet to receive the appropriate salary adjustments and arrears as provided by the new structure, in spite of all efforts by the union to see that the government lives up to its own part of the bargain,” he said.
The chairman also said that based on the Pension Reforms Act (PRA) of 2014, employees have the sole right of determining their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) where their retirement savings should be deposited and invested.
“This condition, as provided for and backed by law, is being handled in a manner inconsistent with the National Pension Commission’s regulations.
“While deductions have already commenced, staff of the instruction remained in the dark regarding the destination and management of these funds, a situation that raises serious concerns about transparency and legality.”
He, therefore, urged the state government to reassess its approach to the implementation, which has commenced since January, 2025, by allowing members to choose their PFAs.
The chairman also urged the government to improve its Health Insurance Scheme for the staff.
“Katsina State Health Insurance Scheme (KATCHMA), intended to improve access to healthcare for staff, remains ineffective and in need of urgent reforms to meet its objectives,” Kwarah said
He urged the government to adhere to the laws and intentions under which the institution was established.
This, he said, would ensure that the university continue to serve its purpose with dignity, autonomy, and excellence.
The union also urged government at all levels to intensify efforts in securing the lives and property of the people.
Kwarah opined, “This is because no meaningful development could be achieved where people sleep with all eyes open and were terrified by even their own shadows.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)