The Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ado Yusuf, received the Executive members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ABU Branch, on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Union and the Institute’s management.
The ASUU delegation was led by the Branch Chairman, Comrade S. Umar, and was accompanied by members of the ASUU Consultative Forum within the Institute for Agricultural Research and the Faculty of Agriculture (IAR/FoA), namely Comrade I. U. Abubakar, Comrade H. Mani, and Comrade S. Idris.
In his remarks, the ASUU Chairman explained that the visit was intended to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cordial relationship between the Union and the management of the Institute.
He commended the leadership of IAR under Prof. Ado Yusuf for prioritizing staff welfare, particularly highlighting the full implementation of the salary enhancement component contained in the Federal Government ASUU agreement, which he described as a commendable development deserving of recognition.
Comrade Umar further noted that historically, the leadership of IAR has consistently provided a protective and supportive environment for academic staff, especially during periods of industrial disputes when members of management are often placed under pressure to act strictly as government representatives.
He emphasized that industrial unions should be seen as partners in progress rather than antagonists within the system, stressing that constructive engagement between unions and management is essential for institutional stability and development.
In his remarks, the Executive Director, Prof. Ado Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the ASUU leadership for the visit, describing it as the first of its kind and a welcome step toward strengthening institutional harmony.
He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to staff welfare, noting that despite the poor release of budgetary allocations to the Institute, the management remains dedicated to sustaining staff-related obligations.
The Executive Director also highlighted that the Institute has maintained a remarkable record of zero backlog in staff promotion entitlements, reflecting the management’s dedication to fairness, transparency, and motivation of academic staff.
The visit also served as a preparatory step toward the upcoming Union Faculty/IAR staff engagement, which aims to further enhance dialogue and collaboration between academic staff and institutional leadership.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note with friendly handshakes and a group photograph, symbolizing the shared commitment of both parties to fostering unity, mutual respect, and continued progress within the University community.
Together, building a stronger academic community through dialogue, respect, and collaboration
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