The Kano State Government has approved the disbursement of over N1 billion to Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK) and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil for the payment of Earned Academic and Excess Workload Allowances, among other commitments.
Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, the Commissioner for Higher Education, disclosed this during the 3rd joint meeting with heads of tertiary institutions, scholarship board, and top management of the ministry, held at the Kano State Polytechnic.
He said that the governor approved N279 million for YUMSUK to settle Earned Academic Allowances and an additional N66 million for the convocation ceremony.
Similarly, ADUSTECH, Wudil, received allocations exceeding N629 million for the payment of excess workload and N38 million for non-academic staff allowances, respectively.
In November 2023, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at YUMSUK raised concerns to the state government, including the demand for immediate settlement of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) balances, Consequential Adjustment arrears, and the adoption of the newly approved Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure II award by the Federal Government, among others.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Sunusi A. Kofar Na’isa, quoted Dr. Kofarmata as saying that the Kano State government disbursed 40% of the payment to the contractor responsible for rebuilding the burnt theatre hall at Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies (AKCILS), with the project set to commence shortly.
Vowing timely fund disbursement, the commissioner expressed contentment with the conduct of all tertiary institutions in the state.
In response, Dr. Abubakar Umar Faruk, representing the heads of state-owned tertiary institutions and the Rector of Kano State Polytechnic, praised the ministry for initiating the monthly meeting, recognising it as a significant step in comprehending the institutions’ situations and strengthening the cordial relationship.
Each head of the tertiary institution presented reports outlining achievements, challenges, and future plans for advancement.