By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University chapter, has suspended the strike it commenced on 18th February.

The Chairman of ASUU, KASU chapter, Dr Peter Adamu, explained in a statement on Monday that the decision to suspend the action was made on Saturday.

He further noted that the government demonstrated goodwill in resolving the impasse by promptly releasing funds to pay 60 per cent of the September 2017 withheld salaries and the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) supervision allowance for five sessions.

According to him, “The government also agreed to a timeline for the payment of the five months’ salaries withheld from May to September 2022, as well as promotion arrears, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), pension remittances (2009 to 2019), death benefits, and group life assurance.”

Adamu added that the government showed commitment to implementing wage awards and granting autonomy to the university. He expressed the union’s appreciation to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his swift intervention and leadership in resolving the issues that led to the strike action.

The statement also extended gratitude to the university management, the Commissioners for Education and Sports, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a quick resolution of the impasse. It called on all academic staff to resume their duties and continue providing invaluable services to the university community.

The Senator for Kaduna South, Sunday Katung, has stated that he set aside religion, ethnicity, and party affiliation to swiftly secure the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, within eighteen months during the 10th Assembly.

Katung made this disclosure on Thursday during a meeting with the Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum in Zonkwa, the headquarters of Zango Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

He explained that he approached the situation as a human being, removing considerations of religion, ethnicity, and party politics to advocate for his people.

“I asked, what have we done wrong in this commonwealth called Nigeria? Are we not citizens? Why are we treated differently? I was able to network using my social capital.

“I maintained an open mind, unclouded by the divisions of ethnicity, religion, and party affiliation,” Katung stated.

He lamented that these divisions have weighed down the people of Southern Kaduna.

“If we set aside these divisions, we will realise that we are one people. You can go anywhere to seek what you want and achieve it.

“Another key factor was my ability to leverage social capital. If you do not utilise it, it becomes useless. Social capital should not be used merely for personal gain; it should empower the people.

“I used the social capital that God has given me to connect with individuals who could assist me, regardless of their background. That, above all, is what led to the establishment of the university—God made it happen,” Katung remarked.

He also took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders who contributed to the realisation of one of his bills, which led to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, with a campus in Manchok.

He pledged to continue pursuing more developmental projects for his constituents.

The lawmaker further urged the Kaduna State Government to prioritise the recruitment of science-related teachers in secondary schools to ensure students receive proper guidance and education.

He emphasised the importance of youth mentorship, revealing that he is currently training young people from Southern Kaduna in ICT to reduce idleness and equip them with skills to compete globally.

On the issue of insecurity, Katung expressed concern over the involvement of locals in banditry and the abduction of innocent citizens.

He stated that security measures are being intensified to address rising insecurity, particularly in Kauru, Kachia, and other areas of the state. He warned that those involved should desist or face the full force of the law.

According to him, the military has already approved the establishment of two Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Kauru, assuring that the escalating insecurity in the region will soon be addressed.

“What has been happening in Southern Kaduna is purely criminality, not a herder-farmer conflict, as some have claimed,” he added.

Acknowledging the vital role of journalists in shaping public opinion, Senator Katung urged them to continue reporting factual and accurate information.

Regarding the conversion of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, into a Federal Medical Centre, Senator Katung clarified that his bill for its establishment is awaiting a public hearing in the Senate. He noted that a similar bill in the House of Representatives has already passed the third reading.

He explained that after its passage in the Senate, a committee will be set up to harmonise both bills for the President’s assent.

He also appealed to his constituents to continue praying for a smooth legislative process, as the Presidency has already given its consent in principle to realise the project.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum, Mr Ango Bally, stated that the meeting was convened to update the public on the senator’s activities as part of the forum’s mandate.

Bally commended the lawmaker’s determination in pursuing the bill that led to the establishment of the Federal University, urging him to continue his commendable efforts for the region.