By Olu Benjamin
Professor, Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu says management of the institution recently increased salary of staff by 25 percent in line with university’s policy to prioritize staff welfare.
Ayuba stated this in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the Nasarawa West Reporters Forum, a group of journalists who cover activities in Nasarawa West senatorial district.
Ayuba explained that due to the reality of the Nigerian economy, management of the institution had to propose a 25 percent salary increment which was approved by the governing council and Board of Trustees of the university.
“We took this decision because of the reality of the economy as it was becoming too difficult for staff to cope with their previous monthly package.
“So we took the proposal to council and Board of Trustees and they approved. So as from December 2024, we implemented a 25 percent increment salary for staff,” he said.
He added that about 100 staff deserving of promotion have also been promoted with 80 new staffs recruited to fill in vacant positions.
“Over this same one year, we have gotten additional 16 professors and close to 25 associate professors have also been elevated,” he said.
He further revealed that management of the institution is carrying out several projects such as construction of male and female hostels, laboratories and offices in both the Karu and Jos, Plateau state campuses.
“Three hostels are under construction. We have also gotten sports equipment for the students. Like they say all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. So we have purchased so sports equipment. As they study they can also relax and play.
“We have also received two donations for the construction of a law library and for the construction of innovative showroom. That is far as infrastructure development is concerned,” he said.
Ayuba also revealed that the university has also secured the accreditation of six more undergraduate degree programmes from the National University Commission (NUC) making it a total of 46 undergraduate degree programmes in the university.
“Postgraduate programmes have also risen from 40 to 58. So NUC approved 18 additional post graduate programmes over this one year. By and large I think God has helped us.
“Also all these success stories couldn’t have been possible without the support of the Governing council and Board of Trustees and also the support of staff. In fact our core values has really helped. One of it is team spirit.
“We also credit the enabling environment the government of Nasarawa state and the government of Nigeria has provided,” he said.
Earlier, Mohammed Sani Auwalu, Chairman of the Nasarawa West Reporters Forum, congratulated the Vice Chancellor on his appointment and pledged to partner with the university in reporting its activities.
He stated that the forum, comprising representatives from various media organizations covering Nasarawa West senatorial district, would collaborate with the university.
Auwalu noted that the university’s activities are currently underreported and requested a retainership arrangement to enable forum members to cover university affairs.
….END.