ASUU-Taraba declares indefinite strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University Chapter (ASUU-TSU), has commenced an indefinite strike, citing unresolved welfare and institutional challenges involving the university management and the Taraba State government.

In a statement released Wednesday by the ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr. Garba Mbave Joshua, the union explained that the strike followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum, which ended on July 4, 2024.

Among the unresolved issues are the absence of a pension scheme, unpaid salary arrears, lack of a Governing Council, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), exclusion from national minimum wage adjustments, and inadequate funding.

The union highlighted the lack of a functional pension scheme since the university’s inception, describing it as a threat to the financial security of academic staff. It also lamented persistent delays in paying salary arrears, which have caused significant hardship despite partial government payments.

For over a year, the university has operated without a Governing Council, leaving critical decisions unaddressed. The union further accused the government of reneging on promises to resolve these issues, with academic staff denied entitlements dating back to the 2014/2015 academic session.

The statement emphasized that the union had made repeated attempts to engage the government, but the lack of concrete action left no choice but to embark on the strike.

ASUU-TSU called on stakeholders and the public to pressure the government to address the demands, warning that the industrial action would continue until the issues are resolved.

“This action is in defense of our members’ welfare, the integrity of the institution, and the future of higher education in Taraba State,” the union declared.