The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, has issued a stern warning to the Taraba State Government, threatening to resume its earlier suspended strike over the government’s alleged failure to implement critical aspects of a binding agreement reached in January 2025.
Addressing a press conference in Jalingo, the ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr Joshua Mbave Garba, expressed deep frustration over what the Union described as a “continued breach of trust” by the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas. According to him, the state government has failed to fulfil the terms of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed with the Union on January 17, 2025.
“Not a single payment has been made in line with the MoA, which included a monthly disbursement of ₦50 million from February 2025 to offset accrued Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). This continued non-compliance constitutes a grave violation of the agreement and reflects either insincerity, apathy, or both,” Dr Mbave stated.
The union leader stressed that the goodwill and patience demonstrated by ASUU members in recent months have been misinterpreted as weakness. He therefore warned that the academic staff can no longer endure a system that undermines their rights, dignity, and welfare.
Broken Promises and Silent Government
Dr Mbave further decried the government’s failure to convene a stakeholder meeting that was scheduled for the first week of February 2025, intended to map out a roadmap for settling outstanding salary arrears. Months later, the meeting has not been held, and no official explanation or outreach has been made.
“Our members remain unpaid while working under dire conditions, and the silence from the government is deafening. It sends a dangerous signal that agreements with ASUU are non-binding, and that academic staff are disposable,” he said.
On the issue of staff pensions, the Union lamented the absence of any functional framework or financial commitment from the state government.
“Only bureaucratic formalities and empty promises have been offered. Are our members not entitled to retire with dignity after a lifetime of dedicated service?” he queried.
Ultimatum Expires Without Response
According to ASUU, a two-week ultimatum issued to the government expired on Thursday, July 31, 2025, with no dialogue initiated nor public communication from the authorities.
In response, the ASUU Congress at TSU convened and unanimously resolved to resume its suspended strike if immediate and concrete actions are not taken by the state government.
“We are not saboteurs nor enemies of progress. We are nation-builders, mentors, and custodians of knowledge. But we shall not continue in an environment where our welfare is neglected, and our voices silenced,” Dr Mbave said firmly.
Call for Urgent Intervention
ASUU acknowledges Governor Kefas’ investment in the education sector particularly his administration’s free education policy. But they insist that good policies cannot thrive where academic staff are disrespected and agreements dishonoured.
The Union called on the governor to personally intervene and ensure the prompt implementation of all agreements. Which according to them will help prevent an imminent shutdown of academic activities at the institution.
“The continued neglect of these pressing issues will only lead to avoidable disruption, and we will not hesitate to resume our industrial action should the government fail to act swiftly,” Dr Mbave concluded.
Conclusion
The standoff is a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. It’s becoming a trend where unions and governments often clash over unmet agreements, delayed allowances, and underfunded universities. At the heart of the current dispute is institutional survival, staff welfare, and the integrity of collective bargaining.
Should the strike commence, students and academic programs at TSU would face yet another round of disruptions. A blow to education continuity in a state already grappling with multiple development challenges.
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