By Idris Auwal
The management of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State has denied recent reports of exited 30 Doctors of Philosophy PhD holders over salary crises

This was contained in a press statement issued to journalists by the public relations office Auwal Hassan on Sunday
The statement continue that, they have taken note of a recent publication alleging that not less than 30 PhD holders have resigned from the university due to poor salary. they categorically debunked the claim as misleading, inaccurate, and unfounded.
Facts and Clarifications
1. SAZU has not received any resignation letter from PhD staff citing poor salary.
2. Only six PhD holders have exited or are away from the university in the past 1 year and 10 months, citing personal reasons not related to salary concerns.
– Dismissal: 6 persons, based on abscondment or disciplinary grounds.
– Sabbatical Leave: 2 persons.
– Secondment: 2 persons.
– Leave of Absence (LOA): 1 person.
Staff Strength
SAZU has a total number of 397 academic staff, distributed as follows:
– 18 Professors
– 9 Readers
– 57 Senior Lecturers
– 113 Lecturer I
– 47 Lecturer II
– 76 Assistant Lecturers
– 77 Graduate Assistants
Staff Development and Support
1. The university has consistently prioritized staff welfare and development, implementing initiatives to enhance working conditions, including timely salary payment and financial benefits.
2. Numerous academic staff have been promoted since December 2022, with full payment of promotion arrears.
– 2022 Promotion: 5 Professors, 2 Readers, 19 Senior Lecturers.
– 2023 Promotion: 6 Professors, 4 Readers, 17 Senior Lecturers.
– 2024 Promotion: 2 Professors, 5 Readers, 20 Senior Lecturers.
3. Regular training and retraining of staff are conducted in collaboration with reputable organizations.
Infrastructure Development
1. The state government is committed to improving the university’s physical infrastructure, including the construction of access roads and staff quarters.
2. Requests for perimeter fencing and additional hostel blocks are receiving positive consideration.
Financial Support
1. The state government has approved the release of N153 million for NUC accreditation of courses.
2. SAZU received financial and in-kind support from the State Government for its maiden combined convocation.
Autonomy in Employment
The university council has been given a free hand for employment of staff, employing over 160 qualified staff and advertising for more academic staff.
Staff Benefits
1. The university has implemented payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and other benefits.
2. Staff are covered by the state government’s retirement and death benefit policy.
However, the statement affirmed that, the University remains committed to providing a conducive academic environment and supporting staff growth. while urging the publics to disregard misleading reports and verify information through official channels of the institution.