The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has pledged to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to eligible members of staff as part of efforts to improve welfare and career progression in the institution.
Professor Bunkure made the commitment during an interactive session with members of the university community at the Dr A. A. Ladan Hall in Zaria.
On salary arrears, the Vice-Chancellor directed the Bursar to ensure payment of outstanding salaries owed to some staff employed around 2018.
He disclosed that some affected workers were still being owed up to five months’ salary and directed that the outstanding payments be made within the following week.
Professor Bunkure also assured staff that all outstanding promotion arrears due to eligible employees would be paid, stressing that no staff member who had earned a promotion would be denied the financial benefits attached to it.
He clarified that there was no directive to suspend staff promotions, saying employees due for promotion would be promoted in line with applicable rules and regulations.
The Vice-Chancellor further announced that Management would constitute a committee to review complaints arising from the staff placement exercise, with representatives of staff unions included to promote fairness and transparency.
He also disclosed that a substantial amount belonging to the university remained in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) following the institution’s migration, adding that Management was working to recover the funds.
On security, Professor Bunkure commended members of the university community for their vigilance, particularly volunteers conducting night surveillance within the institution.
He said their efforts had contributed to a reduction in incidents of theft and urged staff and students to sustain the collective responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The Vice-Chancellor also charged academic staff to intensify research and scholarly publications, participate in international conferences and publish in reputable journals to improve the university’s visibility and global standing.
He called for stronger partnerships between the university, industries, government institutions and civil society organisations, saying such collaborations would help translate research findings into practical solutions with wider societal impact.
Professor Bunkure reminded staff of their responsibility to protect official and classified information and directed the Registrar to issue a circular on members’ obligations under the Oath of Secrecy.
Describing the university as his “only pride,” the Vice-Chancellor said staff welfare remained a priority of his administration and appealed for continued cooperation and commitment from members of the university community.
He expressed confidence that collective efforts and sustained support would enable the institution to make further progress in academic, administrative and infrastructural development.