Taraba Govt, ASUU-TSU Reach Landmark Agreement to Revitalize University System
Henry Agbu
In a bold step towards revitalizing higher education in Taraba State, the Taraba State Government has reached a landmark agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-TSU), bringing an end to the prolonged industrial action at Taraba State University, Jalingo. This pact underscores Governor Agbu Kefas’ unwavering commitment to education, signaling a new dawn for tertiary institutions in the state.
Gov Kefas
The agreement, which addresses critical issues ranging from university funding to salary arrears, pensions, and governance, is poised to restore stability and excellence in the institution.
Commitment to Sustainable Funding
Education thrives on adequate funding, and the Taraba State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to fulfilling this responsibility. In line with the Taraba State University Law No. 4 of 2008, the government, through the University’s Governing Council, has pledged to improve funding, ensuring sustainable development and smooth academic operations. This commitment offers much-needed reassurance to both staff and students, laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient institution.
Financial Relief for Lecturers
A major highlight of the agreement is the phased payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)—a long-standing demand of ASUU. To demonstrate good faith, the government has already made an initial payment of 10% of the accrued allowances. Beginning in February 2025, an additional 5% of the remaining arrears will be disbursed monthly until all outstanding payments are cleared.
Beyond allowances, a structured approach has been outlined to clear the backlog of salaries owed to university staff. By the first week of February 2025, a comprehensive template will be developed to facilitate systematic payments, ensuring that lecturers and other university workers receive what is rightfully theirs.
A Secure Future: Pensions and Gratuities
Recognizing the concerns surrounding post-retirement welfare, the government has introduced a State-Defined Pension Scheme tailored to ensure prompt and efficient payment of pensions and gratuities. This initiative not only provides financial security for university staff but also reinforces the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its workforce.
Strengthening University Governance
Beyond financial commitments, the government has also addressed concerns about institutional governance. A thorough review of the University’s Governing Council will be undertaken to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, promoting efficiency, transparency, and effective oversight. This move is expected to bolster administrative efficiency and enhance decision-making within the university.
Welfare First: Minimum Wage Adjustments
In a bid to align with national labour policies, the government has commenced the implementation of minimum wage adjustments for university staff. With this, the administration assures lecturers and other employees of timely and consistent salary payments, fostering a more motivated and productive workforce.
The Faces Behind the Resolution
Bringing an end to a strike is never an easy task. However, the tireless efforts of key stakeholders ensured the breakthrough that students, parents, and lecturers had long awaited.
Leading the charge is Governor Agbu Kefas, whose education-driven policies have been a defining feature of his administration. His decision to create the Ministry of Tertiary Institutions further reinforces his vision of prioritizing higher education in Taraba State.
Similarly, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, played a crucial role alongside his management team, engaging actively in negotiations and pushing for a fair resolution.
The leadership of ASUU National and ASUU-TSU also deserves commendation for their resilience and dedication to the welfare of their members. Their unwavering commitment ensured that lecturers’ demands were not just heard but met with actionable solutions.
Looking Ahead: Addressing Other Unions
While this agreement marks a major victory, the work is far from over. The Taraba State Government has expressed its resolve to extend the same commitment to resolving the grievances of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU)—the two unions still on strike.
This move, if successfully implemented, will usher in stability, excellence, and lasting progress at Taraba State University, making it a beacon of higher learning in the region.
A Brighter Future for Education in Taraba State
The resolution of the ASUU-TSU strike is more than just a labour agreement; it is a testament to the power of dialogue, commitment, and shared vision. For students, it means a return to the classrooms. For lecturers, it signals financial relief and institutional support. For the state, it marks a renewed investment in education—one that will shape generations to come.
As the university community resumes academic activities, one thing is clear: Taraba State is on a path to educational transformation, and this is just the beginning.
