By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - August 26, 2025(Series News Online)
In a show of unity and determination, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has staged a peaceful protest today, Tuesday, at the University campus in Unguwar Jeji, Kalgo, over unresolved issues with the Federal Government. The union's demands include the implementation of a long-standing agreement, implementation of the 2009 committee recommendations headed by the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, and the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances.
According to the FUBK ASUU Chairman, Comrade Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahman Bashir, the union is seeking justice and fairness in its dealings with the government. "We are united in our quest for a better university and will not rest until our demands are met," he declared. The union's demands include the release of withheld funds, payment of 3.5 months' salary, payment of Earn Academic Allowance (EAA), and renegotiation of their agreement.
The protest, which saw ASUU members marching through the university campus, singing solidarity songs and carrying placards, was a demonstration of the union's resolve to push for its rights. The demonstration was peaceful, with no disruption to academic activities.
In a show of solidarity, the Vice Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, acknowledged the union's demands and expressed understanding for the peaceful protest. "We recognize the legitimacy of ASUU's concerns and urge the Federal Government to take concrete steps to address them," he said. Prof. Umar appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to the union's demands, adding that meeting the union's demands would enhance university activities.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern about the potential impact of a national strike on university activities and appealed to the Federal Government to take steps to avoid such a scenario. "I urge the government to engage with ASUU and find a mutually beneficial solution to the issues at hand," he said.
The FUBK ASUU protest is part of a nationwide campaign by university staff to push for their rights and improve the conditions of service in federal government-owned universities. The union has vowed to continue to push for its demands until they are met.
