The Authority of Kaduna State University (KASU) has debunked claims by its branch of the Academic Staff Union  of Universities (ASUU) of Exodus of more than 200 lecturers from the University, as a result of poor condition of service in the institution, describing the assertion as misleading and not reflective of the realities within the ivory tower.

The clarification by the University management followed a press conference by ASUU-KASU where the union issued a two-week ultimatum to the Kaduna State Government over the implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement and other staff welfare concerns.

According to a press statement issued by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi  Ibrahim Musa on Tuesday, “the movement of academic and non-teaching staff between institutions is a global phenomenon and should not be misconstrued as evidence of poor working conditions.”

 He noted that “staff mobility is common across universities and cautioned against attributing every staff departure to the university’s conditions of service”, while urging the union to present the facts objectively and avoid creating unnecessary alarm.

The University management further stated that “KASU’s recent achievements demonstrate a thriving academic environment and underscore the institution’s ability to attract, retain, and support distinguished scholars.”

“Among these achievements is the continued retention of internationally recognised researchers, including Professor Ibrahim Inuwa Yahaya (Chemistry), Dr. Daniel Yahaya Shagaiya (Mathematics), and Dr. Abdullahi Yusuf Zuntu (Physics), who are ranked among the world’s top two per cent of scientists”, the statement added.

Besides, Musa remarked, “in the area of programme accreditation, the Kaduna State Government expended more than ₦290 million on resource verification and the accreditation of over 90 academic programmes, a significant investment that reflects its commitment to strengthening the university’s academic standards.”

“Over the past three years, KASU has continued to strengthen its position on the global research map, attracting research funding exceeding £945,000 across various fields of human endeavour. The management noted that these accomplishments are a testament to the engagement and continued service of its distinguished academic staff”, he said.

According to him, “from 2023 to date, the university has also recorded several strategic international partnerships, including academic cooperation agreements with Benha University and Institut Sains dan Unjuk Kerja (ISUJ), Jakarta; a Qur’anic Studies cooperation with the Makkah International Centre for Qur’anic Guidance (Hidaya Research and Development Company); and the establishment of the China-Nigeria Belt and Road Initiative Joint Laboratory in collaboration with Zhejiang University and the Longquan Industrial Innovation Research Institute through the COCESS Faculty.”

Professor Musa noted, “within the same period, KASU secured a ₦1 billion competitive research grant from TETFund to advance commercial agriculture research and development. According to the management, such a milestone is indicative of a vibrant academic institution and is inconsistent with claims of widespread academic staff attrition.”

The management also highlighted sustained government support for students, including the payment of scholarships exceeding ₦1 billion, the widely applauded 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees, and Governor Uba Sani’s directive allowing students who were unable to pay their fees to sit for examinations as part of efforts to expand access to higher education.

Musa further noted that “the Kaduna State Government has settled the inherited May 2022 salary arrears owed to all categories of university staff, paid SIWES allowances, and maintained the regular payment of monthly salaries without delay.”

While reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of staff and the continued development of the university, the University management appealed to ASUU-KASU to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table.

“The university management remains committed to constructive engagement and sustained dialogue with the union in the interest of staff, students, and the continued growth and stability of Kaduna State University,” the statement added.