The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) Katsina chapter, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Unified University Salary Structure and resolve challenges affecting pensions and health insurance for staff.
The appeal was made on Monday during a press briefing in Katsina.
Chapter chairman, Mr. Murtala Kwarah, explained that one of the conditions set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for establishing a university in Nigeria is uniformity in service across both federal and state institutions.
“It is disheartening that UMYU remains the only institution in the Sokoto Zone where the structure has not been fully implemented. Staff have yet to receive the appropriate salary adjustments and arrears despite the union’s efforts to ensure the government honours its commitment,” he said.
On pensions, Kwarah noted that under the 2014 Pension Reform Act (PRA), employees have the right to choose their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). However, he alleged that the current process at UMYU is inconsistent with National Pension Commission regulations.
“While deductions have commenced, staff remain unaware of where their contributions are being deposited and managed. This lack of transparency raises serious legal and ethical concerns,” he said.
Kwarah urged the state government to allow staff to select their PFAs, in line with the law, and to improve the Katsina State Health Insurance Scheme (KATCHMA), which he described as ineffective in providing adequate healthcare access for staff.
He further appealed to the government to uphold the principles under which the university was established, thereby preserving its dignity, autonomy, and effectiveness.
ASUU also called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts in securing lives and property. “No meaningful development is possible when people live in fear and cannot sleep with both eyes closed,” Kwarah warned.
