…it sends a dangerous signal that agreements with ASUU are not binding and that the academic workforce is disposable.
TARABA STATE, NIGERIA – The iNews Times| The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University (TSU) has issued a strong warning to the state government, threatening to resume its previously suspended strike over what it describes as a “deliberate violation” of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed with the union earlier this year.
Speaking at a press conference held in Jalingo on Tuesday, the Chairman of ASUU-TSU, Dr. Joshua Mbave Garba, accused the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas of failing to implement key components of the agreement signed on January 17, 2025. The agreement had led to the union suspending its earlier industrial action in February 2025.
According to Dr. Mbave, one of the central pillars of the MoA was the monthly disbursement of N50 million, starting from February, to cover Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). However, no such payments have been made to date, despite repeated reminders and sustained patience from the union.
“Despite enduring extreme hardship, showing commendable restraint, and maintaining our dedication to academic progress, our patience has been repeatedly tested,” he stated.
The union leader emphasized that the continued breach of agreement is “a deliberate provocation” that could destabilize the industrial harmony that has been preserved since the last strike was suspended.
In addition to the unmet allowance payments, the ASUU chairman decried what he described as the chronic underfunding of Taraba State University, warning that it contravenes the institution’s enabling law and threatens its sustainability.
Dr. Mbave also expressed serious concern over the government’s failure to implement a functional pension scheme for academic staff. He said the administration’s actions so far amount to nothing more than “bureaucratic formalities and empty promises”, with no clear financial roadmap or implementation timeline.
The union further criticized the state government for failing to convene a stakeholders’ meeting, which was scheduled for early February to deliberate on a plan to clear outstanding salary arrears. ASUU had issued a two-week ultimatum that expired on July 31, but the government allegedly failed to respond.
“This silence is deafening and unacceptable. It sends a dangerous signal that agreements with ASUU are not binding and that the academic workforce is disposable,” Dr. Mbave warned.
He stressed that such disregard for mutual agreements threatens not only the morale of academic staff but also the quality and stability of public university education in Taraba State.
Following internal consultations, Dr. Mbave announced that ASUU-TSU had resolved to resume its suspended strike if the government fails to urgently address all unresolved issues.
The union made it clear that while it acknowledges Governor Kefas’ efforts in promoting access to education, particularly the implementation of a free education policy, such efforts must go hand-in-hand with adequate staff welfare and institutional support.
“We are not saboteurs or enemies of progress. We are nation builders and custodians of knowledge.
But we cannot continue to function in an environment where our welfare is neglected, our rights trampled upon, and our voices ignored,” he added.
ASUU-TSU is now calling on the state government to honour its commitments, act in good faith, and restore trust and industrial peace before the union is forced to take further action.
With the academic calendar already strained from previous disruptions, students and parents alike are anxiously watching how the government will respond to avert another crisis in Taraba’s higher education sector.
