The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University Chapter (ASUU-TSU), has declared an indefinite strike due to unresolved welfare and institutional challenges. The strike, which began this week, follows the failure of both the university management and the Taraba State government to address longstanding issues affecting the staff and the institution.
In a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, on Wednesday, ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr. Garba Mbave Joshua, explained that the strike became unavoidable after a 30-day grace period granted to the government expired on July 4, 2024. According to the union, no substantial action had been taken to resolve the issues despite the given time frame.
The union highlighted several critical issues that prompted the strike. These include the absence of a pension scheme, unpaid salary arrears, lack of a Governing Council, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), exclusion from national minimum wage adjustments, and inadequate funding. The lack of a functional pension scheme, in particular, was noted as a serious concern for the future security of academic staff, as the university has operated without one since its inception.
“Persistent delays in the payment of accumulated salary arrears have caused financial hardship for staff. Despite partial payments by the government, negotiations for the balance have collapsed,” the union said in its statement. The failure to resolve these financial issues has left many staff members in difficult situations, further exacerbating the growing dissatisfaction within the institution.
Another significant issue raised by the union is the absence of a Governing Council at the university for over a year. The lack of a governing body has left crucial decisions in limbo, impacting the university’s management and affecting the academic staff. The union also revealed that staff members have been denied entitlements dating back to the 2014/2015 academic session, with repeated promises from the government remaining unfulfilled.
ASUU-TSU leaders emphasized that the strike was not their preferred course of action but was the result of a lack of meaningful dialogue and action from the government. They pointed out that despite several attempts to engage the government in resolving these issues, there had been no tangible progress. The union stressed that the strike was a last resort to protect the welfare of its members and the integrity of the institution.
The union has called on all stakeholders, including the public, to put pressure on the government to address these issues promptly. They warned that the strike would continue indefinitely until their demands were met. “This action is in defence of our members’ welfare, the integrity of the institution, and the future of higher education in Taraba State,” the statement concluded.
As the strike enters its first week, the future of the university and its academic calendar remain uncertain. With no clear timeline for resolution, the situation is expected to have significant consequences for both staff and students at Taraba State University.
