Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has taken a decisive step to resolve the ongoing challenges at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU). He has given an eight-week deadline to a Visitation Panel tasked with finding lasting solutions to the issues causing disruptions at the university.

The crisis involves the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has raised concerns over unpaid allowances, unimplemented pension and death benefit schemes, and the controversial appointment of a bursar who does not meet the university’s requirements. These issues led to a prolonged strike that disrupted academic activities.

The panel’s responsibilities include identifying the root causes of the unrest, reviewing the university’s financial operations, and recommending strategies to improve its management. Speaking during the panel’s inauguration, Governor Mohammed highlighted the importance of education as a foundation for progress. He emphasized that his administration is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the sector.

Governor Mohammed urged the panel to work diligently and provide long-term solutions to the conflicts involving ASUU, the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the university management.

The panel’s chairperson, Prof. Gambo Laraba, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and assured the governor of a thorough investigation. She pledged that the panel would submit a detailed report to guide reforms in the institution.

In December 2024, the governor had personally intervened to suspend ASUU’s indefinite strike, which disrupted the university for months. This intervention showcased his commitment to fostering peace and restoring normalcy in the institution.

The eight-week deadline reflects the urgency of the matter, as the state government aims to ensure a stable and effective learning environment for students and staff.