Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University has suspended the over one month strike action.
Dr. Joshua Mbaver, the ASUU chairman disclosed in a press release on Saturday that the state has agreed to meet the demands of the union that necessitated the strike action on December 5, 2024.
According to the statement, the strike action was necessitated by the Taraba State Government’s partial implementation
of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action
(MoAs) agreed upon with the Union since 2014.
The ASUU chairman further disclosed that key issues under dispute have been addressed with commitments.
“That the Government, through the Governing Council, will enhance university funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008.
“Also, an initial payment of 10% of the total accumulated sum for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), has been disbursed. Subsequently, 5% of the accumulated sum will be released monthly, commencing in February 2025, until the entire arrears are fully defrayed.
“That, the government has approved the implementation of a State-Defined Pension Scheme, with specific provisions for the prompt and efficient payment of benefits.
“Furthermore, a template for clearing arrears will be finalized by the first week of February 2025.
“That, Membership will be adjusted to comply with statutory requirements for the constitution of the University Governing Council
“That the Government has implemented the new national minimum wage and
consequential adjustments, with a commitment to timely salary payments”. The statement read.
Dr. Mbaver expressed that following the agreements in place, and with the approval of ASUU National, the ASUU-TSU Chapter has suspended the strike action with immediate effect.
“We extend our profound gratitude to ASUU National, the Zonal
leadership, and the TSU Congress for their unwavering support, which has culminated in the successful resolution of this struggle”.
The ASUU chairman commended governor Agbu Kefas for his steadfast commitment and
proactive leadership in resolving the recent dispute.
While expressing the Union’s profound gratitude to all stakeholders whose unwavering support and contributions facilitated the resolution of the strike, ASUU commended the leadership of the Ministry of Tertiary Education,
and the University Administration for their collaborative efforts that has made the resolution possible.