ASUU threatens fresh strike over breach of agreement

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University (TSU) has issued a new warning to the state government, threatening to restart a previously halted strike due to an alleged violation of a Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed earlier this year.

During a press briefing held in Jalingo, the state capital, on Tuesday, ASUU Chairman Dr. Joshua Mbave Garba accused Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration of neglecting the terms of the MoA signed on January 17, 2025, which had led to the suspension of the union’s strike in February.

According to him, the agreement included a monthly disbursement of N50 million beginning February 2025 to cover Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

However, Dr. Mbave disclosed that no payments have been made so far.

“Despite enduring extreme hardship, showing commendable restraint, and maintaining our dedication to academic progress, our patience has been repeatedly tested.

“This continued breach of trust and failure of commitment is a deliberate provocation that undermines the industrial peace we have maintained,” he asserted.

The union also expressed frustration over the chronic underfunding of the university, calling it a violation of the institution’s enabling law.

Additionally, it criticized the state government for not fulfilling its promise to establish a functional pension scheme for academic staff.

He described the government’s efforts as mere “bureaucratic formalities and empty promises,” lacking any clear financial backing or timeline for implementation.

Dr. Mbave further voiced disappointment over the state government’s failure to hold a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for early February to chart a plan for settling outstanding salary arrears.

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He highlighted that the union’s two-week ultimatum, which expired on July 31, went unanswered.

“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.

After discussions, the union resolved to resume its suspended strike if the government does not promptly resolve the outstanding issues.

While recognizing Governor Kefas’ efforts to improve access to education, particularly through the free education policy, ASUU insisted that staff welfare must not be overlooked.

“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 said.

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