Bauchi State-owned tertiary schools are on the brink of a crisis as senior lecturers and seasoned non-academic staff continue to leave for federal institutions and neighbouring states with better welfare packages.
The state chairman of the Joint Action Committee of Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions, Engr Abubakar Ahmad, gave the warning, urging the state government to act swiftly to stem the tide.
In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend, Engineer Ahmad appealed to the Bauchi State government to implement the long-awaited salary increment agreement reached with the unions. He warned that failure to address the issue could severely undermine the quality of education in the state, leaving institutions understaffed and unable to compete with their counterparts elsewhere.
“The exodus of experienced staff poses a serious threat to the future of our education system. If we fail to retain talent, our students will bear the brunt of this neglect,” Ahmad said, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
The union leader pointed out that other states and federal institutions have set higher standards for staff welfare, creating an attractive alternative for skilled professionals from Bauchi. Without decisive government intervention, Ahmad cautioned, the state’s tertiary institutions may face an irreversible decline.
He called on the government to honour its agreements and prioritise the welfare of academic and non-academic staff to safeguard the future of education in Bauchi State. “Investing in our staff is not a luxury but a necessity. The government must act now to prevent further damage,” Ahmad said.
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