By Benson Daniel
Kaduna State University is facing a growing academic staffing crisis after more than 200 lecturers reportedly left the institution amid concerns over poor conditions of service and the delayed implementation of the 2025 Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities agreement.
The development was disclosed by the Kaduna State University chapter of ASUU, which expressed concern that the continued departure of experienced academics could weaken teaching, research and other critical academic activities at the institution.
Chairman of ASUU KASU, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, said the lecturers who had left included professors, associate professors, PhD holders and other senior academic staff. According to him, many of those who departed had secured appointments in newer universities within and outside Kaduna State.
The union attributed the exodus largely to remuneration and welfare concerns, particularly the failure to implement the 2025 FGN ASUU Agreement at the university.
The agreement, which took effect in January 2026, is aimed at improving the conditions of service for academic staff in Nigerian universities. However, ASUU KASU said the agreement had yet to be implemented at the institution despite repeated engagements with the university management, Governing Council and other relevant stakeholders.
Abdullahi said the prolonged delay had left academic staff at the university among the lowest paid in the country and had contributed to growing dissatisfaction among lecturers.
He warned that the continued loss of experienced academics could have long term consequences for the university, noting that replacing professors and other highly qualified lecturers would require significant time and resources.
The union also expressed concern that further delays could result in the accumulation of salary arrears dating back to January 2026, increasing the financial burden on the institution and government.
ASUU KASU has consequently issued a two week ultimatum to the university authorities and other stakeholders to take concrete steps towards implementing the agreement and resolving outstanding welfare issues.
The union warned that failure to address the concerns within the stipulated period could result in a total and indefinite strike, raising the possibility of disruption to academic activities at the university.
Beyond the federal agreement, ASUU identified several local issues that it said remained unresolved. These include university autonomy, excessive workload, promotion arrears, death benefits, group life insurance coverage, wage awards and pension remittances.
The union said resolving the issues was necessary not only to improve the welfare of existing staff but also to restore confidence among academics who may otherwise seek opportunities elsewhere.
The development highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s university system, where concerns over funding, staff welfare, remuneration and the retention of experienced academics continue to generate tension between university staff unions and authorities.
ASUU KASU said it had engaged relevant stakeholders in an effort to resolve the issues peacefully and prevent industrial action. It urged the university management and Kaduna State authorities to treat the matter with urgency before the expiration of the ultimatum.
The union maintained that immediate intervention was needed to halt the continued loss of academic personnel and protect the quality and stability of teaching and research at Kaduna State University.
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