Major Set Back as ASUU-TSU Declares Infinite Strike at the Peak of Exams
From Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)-Taraba State University, Chapter, has today, declared a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action effective immediately few days after commencement of second semester’s examinations over exclusion from Minimum Wage Implementation, Failure to Constitute a Governing Council, Non-payment of Salary Backlog, lack of Pension Scheme, Non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) among other demands.
This was contained in a Press Release signed for and on behalf of ASUU-TSU Jalingo Chapter by the Chairman, Dr. Garba Mbave Joshua.
According to the Release, the strike action became inevitable due to the failure of the University Management and the State Government to address critical welfare and institutional issues, despite being granted a 30-day relief period that expired on July 4, 2024 as requested by the government.
“Fellow compatriots and gentlemen of the Press, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University Chapter (ASUU-TSU), wishes to inform the public that it has commenced a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action, effective immediately due to the failure of the University Management and the Government to address critical welfare and institutional issues despite a 30-day relief period that has expired on July 4, 2024 as requested by the Government.
“The unresolved issues necessitating this action include; Lack of Pension Scheme, Non-payment of Salary Backlog, Failure to Constitute a Governing Council, Non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), Exclusion from Minimum Wage Implementation, Inadequate Funding as Enshrined by the Law Establishing the University.
“ASUU-TSU has consistently engaged with the government to seek solutions to these pressing issues however, the lack of commitment and tangible action has left us with no choice but to embark on this strike in defense of our members’ welfare, the integrity of the institution and the future of higher education in Taraba State.
“We call on all stakeholders to pressure the government to urgently address these pressing issues. Resolving them is vital to restoring academic activities and safeguarding the University’s reputation for excellence,” the Release reads in parts.
However, in a swift response, Gov. Agbu Kefas through his Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, appealed to the striking Lecturers to return to the negotiations table adding that dialogue is still the best option in resolving conflicts/issues.
