The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) Branch, has honoured the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, with a Staff Welfare Ambassador Award in recognition of his commitment to staff welfare and exemplary leadership.
The award was presented to the Vice Chancellor during an appreciation visit to the Management of FUBK by the leadership of the Union on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at his office.
Presenting the award on behalf of the Branch Chairman, Comrade Sirajo Usman Abubakar, the Union's Branch Secretary, Comrade Ishaq Shehu, said the recognition was in appreciation of Management's commitment to the welfare and well-being of staff.
He particularly commended the administration for implementing CONTTA in staff salaries and clearing the outstanding arrears, describing the development as a significant step towards improving the welfare of non-teaching staff and creating a more conducive working environment.
Comrade Shehu described Professor Zaiyan Umar as a leader who had demonstrated genuine concern for staff welfare through policies and initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and fostering harmonious relationships within the University community.
He maintained that the development had positioned FUBK as a reference point among institutions across the country, particularly in the area of staff welfare.
He also appealed to Management to consider the implementation of other components of CONTTA, including hazard allowances, as part of efforts to further enhance staff welfare.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to SSANU for the recognition, describing the award as an encouragement to Management to sustain its commitment to staff welfare and professional development.
Professor Zaiyan reaffirmed Management's commitment to promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation and inclusiveness among all categories of staff, noting that the progress recorded by the University was a collective achievement.
He commended the Union for its constructive engagement with Management and urged its members to continue supporting the University's programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing academic excellence and sustainable institutional development.
He further assured that staff who were yet to receive CONTTA payments, including technologists and some newly employed staff, would receive their payments in the coming salary, reaffirming the University's commitment to ensuring that all eligible staff benefit from the implementation.
The award underscores the importance of collaboration between University Management and staff unions in promoting staff welfare, industrial harmony and the overall development of the institution.