The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) chapter, has accused the Katsina State Government of failing to implement the Unified University Salary Scale (UUSS) and mishandling staff pension deductions, in breach of federal regulations.
The chapter Chairman, Mr Murtala Kwarah, raised concerns at a press briefing in Katsina on Monday, warning that UMYU remains the only institution in the Sokoto Zone where the mandatory salary scale has not been fully applied.
Kwarah said the government’s refusal violates a key requirement of the National Universities Commission (NUC), which mandates uniformity in service conditions across state and federal universities.
“It is disheartening to note that UMYU remains the only institution in the Sokoto Zone where the scale has not been fully implemented. Staff are yet to receive the appropriate salary adjustments and arrears provided under the new structure, despite repeated efforts by the union to compel the government to honour its obligations,” he stated.
The union also criticised the state’s handling of pension deductions, alleging a breach of the Pension Reform Act 2014, which grants employees the right to select their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
“While deductions have begun, staff remain unaware of the destination and management of these funds, raising serious questions about transparency and legality,” Kwarah warned, calling on the government to review the process that began in January 2025 and allow workers to choose their PFAs.
On welfare, the union chairman condemned the inefficiency of the Katsina State Health Insurance Scheme (KATCHMA), insisting it has failed to provide effective access to healthcare for staff.
“KATCHMA, which was meant to enhance healthcare access for staff, remains ineffective and urgently requires reforms to meet its objectives,” he said.
Beyond welfare, ASUU urged the government to strengthen security measures, citing persistent insecurity as a major obstacle to development across the state.
“No meaningful progress can occur where citizens live in fear and insecurity undermines daily life,” Kwarah lamented.
He stressed that the government must respect the legal framework under which UMYU was established, noting that compliance would protect the institution’s dignity, autonomy, and academic standards.