The Taraba State University (TSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again sounded the alarm, threatening to resume a suspended strike over what it describes as the state government’s continued breach of a signed agreement and disregard for the welfare of academic staff.
At a press briefing in Jalingo, the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Joshua Mbave Garba, expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to honour the terms of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed on January 17, 2025. That agreement, which formed the basis for the union’s decision to suspend its earlier strike in February, included a critical commitment to begin monthly payments of ₦50 million from February to clear accumulated Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
But according to Dr. Mbave, not a single payment has been made, leaving lecturers feeling betrayed and demoralized.
“Despite enduring extreme hardship, demonstrating commendable restraint, and maintaining our unwavering dedication, the patience of our union has been repeatedly tested,” he said, describing the government’s silence and failure to meet its obligations as “a deliberate provocation.”
Beyond the allowances, the union also decried chronic underfunding of the institution, warning that it violates the university’s founding law and endangers the quality of education in the state. Another major point of concern is the failure of the state to establish a functional pension structure for university staff—an issue ASUU said has only been met with “bureaucratic formalities and empty promises.”
Dr. Mbave further criticized the government for failing to convene a long-promised stakeholders’ meeting, initially scheduled for early February, which was meant to create a clear roadmap for resolving outstanding salary arrears. A two-week ultimatum issued by ASUU in July expired on the 31st without any engagement from the government.
“This silence is both deafening and unacceptable,” he said. “It sends a dangerous message that agreements with ASUU are not binding and that the academic workforce is disposable.”
While the union acknowledged the administration’s efforts in promoting access to education—particularly through the launch of free education initiatives—it insisted that the government must also prioritize the welfare of those delivering that education.
“We are not saboteurs or enemies of progress. We are nation builders and custodians of knowledge,” Mbave emphasized. “However, we cannot continue to operate in an environment where our welfare is neglected, our rights trampled upon, and our voices ignored.”
The union warned that if the state government fails to provide a clear and urgent response, including the immediate implementation of the agreement, ASUU will have no choice but to resume strike action—disrupting academic activities at Taraba State University once again.
The ball, ASUU insists, is now in Governor Agbu Kefas’ court. The union urged him to intervene personally and take decisive steps to avoid a looming crisis that could further destabilize the state’s higher education system.