“Taraba ASUU Calls Off Strike: What Led to the Resolution and What’s Next?”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University has officially suspended its strike, which had begun on December 5, 2024. The suspension follows successful negotiations with the state government, which have addressed several of the union’s demands.
In a statement released on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital, Dr. Garba Joshua, the Chairperson of ASUU at Taraba State University, explained that the strike had been triggered by the state government’s partial implementation of agreements concerning critical issues. These included funding for the university, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, staff pensions and gratuities, salary arrears, the constitution of a governing council, and adjustments to the minimum wage.
Dr. Joshua expressed gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for his intervention, which played a pivotal role in resolving the issues at hand. He also thanked the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the university management, and the public for their patience and support during the strike.
The government, during the negotiations, made key commitments to address these concerns. This includes enhancing university funding in line with the Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008 and a plan to disburse 10% of the total Earned Academic Allowance arrears, with 5% to be paid monthly starting in February 2025.
Additionally, the government has agreed to implement a state-defined pension scheme to ensure efficient payment of benefits and finalize a template to clear salary arrears by early February 2025. Adjustments will also be made to ensure the university’s governing council meets statutory requirements, while the new minimum wage structure has already been implemented.
With these resolutions in place and the approval of ASUU National, the Taraba State University chapter has decided to suspend the strike. The union has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a harmonious academic environment that will benefit students, staff, and the wider university community.
As a result of the suspension, the second-semester examination, which had been disrupted by the strike, will soon resume, bringing relief to both students and faculty.
