ASUU, Kano varsity disagree over poor funding

Authorities of the Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) of the institution have differed over allegation of paucity of funds facing the university.

In a statement made available to Daily Trust, signed by the branch chairperson, Comrade Muhammad Sani Gaya, the association alleged “chronic” under funding of the university.

“The Union noted with growing dismay and consternation the persistent under funding of the university by Kano State Government. The Union noted that for a long time the State virtually left the provision of needed infrastructure of the University to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund,” the statement said.

The union gave strike ultimatum of Sunday, 7th March, 2020 saying it should not be blamed for any “unpalatable action it takes after the expiration of the deadline.”

While reacting, the university, in a statement issued by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Malam Sa’idu Nayaya, said it has paid N198 million as a postgraduate research grant to the academic as well as N200 million as hazard allowance for the non-academic staff.

“The university management has made payments for most of the claims of these members of staff on the availability of fund. Hence, it is worthy to note that the research grant for academic staff was fully paid on Monday, Jan. 27.

“The university management wishes to categorically state that the Kano State Government as the proprietor of the institution has been releasing funds including the N774 million for accreditation and prompt payment of salaries and wages of staff to the tune of N2.6 billion annually. it said.