JUST-IN:Taraba varsity ASUU suspends strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University, has suspended its strike, which began on December 5, 2024.

This is contained in a statement released in Jalingo, the state capital, on Saturday and signed by the Chairperson of the union in the university, Dr. Garba Joshua.

The union leader said the strike was due to the Taraba State Government’s partial implementation of agreements with the union, including funding of the university, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, staff pension and gratuity, backlog of salaries, the constitution of a governing council, and minimum wage adjustments.

Joshua, who thanked the state governor, Agbu Kefas, for his intervention and leadership in resolving the issues that led to the strike, also appreciated the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the university management, and the public for their understanding and support during the strike.

He said the government, during the negotiations, committed to addressing the issues, including enhancing university funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008 and disbursing 10% of the total Earned Academic Allowance arrears, with 5% to be paid monthly starting February 2025.

Joshua also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fostering a harmonious academic environment for the benefit of students, staff, and the university community.

The statement read, “Government also agrees to implementing a state-defined pension scheme for efficient payment of benefits and to finalise a template for clearing salary arrears by early February 2025.

“Adjustments will be made to ensure the council complies with statutory requirements for the constitution of the governing council.

On the implementation of minimum wage, the government has implemented the new wage structure and committed to regular salary payments.

“With these resolutions and approval from ASUU National, the Taraba State University chapter has decided to suspend its strike action immediately.

The union acknowledged the critical roles played by ASUU National, Zonal leadership, and Taraba State University Congress in achieving this outcome.”

With the suspension of the strike, the second-semester examination, which was cut short as a result of the strike, is expected to continue in the coming days.