The management of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has dismissed what it described as “spurious and unfounded allegations” by the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), accusing the union of attempting to misinform the public on the achievements recorded under the current administration.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head of Information, Media and Public Relations Unit, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, the university management reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, infrastructural development, and staff welfare, noting that significant progress has been made since the appointment of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai.
The statement explained that under Prof. Yakasai’s leadership, several projects have been executed to improve teaching, learning, and working conditions across the institution.
“These include renovation of lecture theatres and classrooms, installation of multimedia facilities, public address systems, and digital teaching aids to enhance lecture delivery,” it said.
According to the university, the central library has been connected with fibre optic internet from Galaxy Backbone, while state-of-the-art equipment have been installed at the Central Research Laboratory and powered by a solar electricity system to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
The management also conducts annual renovation of male and female hostels, alongside improved sanitation and hygiene measures for students’ comfort.
Addressing the issue of audited accounts, the university clarified that it inherited a backlog of unaudited accounts for 2020, 2021, and 2022, but engaged external auditors who have since completed and released the reports.
“The 2023 account is currently being reviewed by external auditors and will be made public once finalized,” the statement added.
On the Budget Performance Report, the management said the Budget Monitoring Committee (BMC) could not meet earlier due to the dissolution of the 5th Governing Council.
However, following the constitution of the 6th Council, the committee has now considered the first and second quarters of 2025.
Regarding staff recruitment, the university explained that it inherited newly established departments with inadequate staffing and facilities.
“The management submitted a request for additional recruitment, part of which was approved by the state government, contributing to the successes recorded during the 2023 NUC accreditation exercise,” the statement noted.
It also addressed the issue of contract appointments for non-indigene academic staff, clarifying that the decision followed a government circular mandating such arrangements.
The Ministry for Higher Education, it said, has already constituted a committee to review the matter.
The university further debunked reports of power disconnection, stating that electricity supply was only “rationalized” due to the high cost of maintaining Band ‘A’ billing, which once amounted to ₦60 million monthly.
On staff entitlements, the management disclosed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration had cleared over 80 percent of a ₦2 billion backlog, including earned allowances, hazard and fieldwork allowances, and promotion arrears for professors.
It also confirmed forwarding requests for the outstanding 25% and 35% salary increments to the state government for approval.
Commending the state government’s education policies, ADUSTECH cited the State of Emergency on Education, foreign scholarships, and the allocation of over 30 percent of the state budget to education as clear evidence of the governor’s commitment to the sector.
Concluding, the statement described ASUU’s allegations as “politically motivated”, recalling that some of the signatories had previously accused the government of neglecting the education sector.
“The university management calls on the general public to disregard the misleading claims and remains focused on improving the welfare and living conditions of both staff and students,” it stated.