The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has issued a fresh strike warning to the state government over alleged failure to implement terms of a previously signed agreement.
During a press conference held in Jalingo on Tuesday, ASUU Chairman, Dr. Joshua Mbave Garba, accused Governor Agbu Kefas' administration of breaching the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed on January 17, 2025, which had led to the suspension of the union's strike in February.
According to Dr. Mbave, a key component of the agreement was the monthly disbursement of N50 million beginning February 2025 for payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). However, he revealed that no payments have been made to date despite the union's patience.
"Despite enduring extreme hardship, showing commendable restraint, and maintaining our dedication to academic progress, our patience has been repeatedly tested," Dr. Mbave stated. "This continued breach of trust and failure of commitment is a deliberate provocation that undermines the industrial peace we have maintained."
The union further criticized the chronic underfunding of the university, describing it as a violation of the institution's enabling law. ASUU also expressed disappointment over the state government's alleged failure to establish a functional pension scheme for academic staff as promised.
Dr. Mbave characterized the government's responses thus far as "bureaucratic formalities and empty promises," lacking clear financial commitment or implementation timeline. He also noted that a two-week ultimatum issued by the union, which expired on July 31, received no response from the government.
"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," he added.
While acknowledging Governor Kefas' efforts in promoting access to education through the implementation of a free education policy, ASUU insisted that staff welfare must not be sidelined.
"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," Mbave emphasized.
The union has resolved to resume its suspended strike if the government fails to urgently address these unresolved issues, potentially disrupting academic activities at the institution.
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