Yobe State University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir, has commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for approving the full implementation of the 2025 Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities agreement, describing the decision as a significant step towards strengthening higher education in the state.

Tahir, in a statement issued on Monday, noted that the approval includes the payment of all outstanding arrears owed to academic staff, and expressed confidence that the move would boost morale, strengthen teaching and research, and improve productivity across tertiary institutions in Yobe State.

The vice chancellor argued that improved lecturer welfare and working conditions would directly translate to enhanced innovation, academic excellence, and service delivery within the state's higher education system.

He maintained that the decision would equally help the university retain experienced academics and reduce brain drain.

"The approval of the full implementation of the FGN/ASUU Agreement, along with the payment of all outstanding arrears, is a clear demonstration of Governor Mai Mala Buni's commitment to the growth of higher education in Yobe State. This decision will improve staff welfare, strengthen teaching and research, and positively impact the development of our university and other tertiary institutions in the state," he said.

Tahir further noted that the Buni administration had demonstrated sustained commitment to education through investments in infrastructure, staff development, research support, scholarship programmes, and policies aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes.

He added that Yobe State University had recorded considerable development under the current administration, with modern academic facilities, expanded staff training opportunities, and improved learning infrastructure among the notable gains.

"The implementation of this agreement will not only improve the welfare and morale of our academic staff but will also strengthen teaching, research, innovation, and overall institutional productivity. It will equally help us retain experienced academics, reduce brain drain, and position the university for greater competitiveness within Nigeria's university system," Tahir stated.

The vice chancellor assured the governor that university management and staff would remain committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community service.

"Our collective commitment is to support the government's vision of building a globally competitive higher education system capable of producing the skilled manpower needed for sustainable development," he added.