Taraba Varsity: Gov Kefas Takes Steps To End ASUU Strike
Echo Express
In a concrete move to safeguard the future of higher education in Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas on Wednesday convened a high-level meeting comprising the management of the Taraba State University and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University Chapter on the ongoing strike action declared by the union.
Gov Agbu Kefas
The meeting, which was held at the Exco Chamber, TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, was summoned amid growing concern over the persistent disruption of academic activities and its ripple effects on students, parents, and the state’s educational development and progress.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Agbu Kefas described the strike as a major setback to the educational progress of Taraba State, stressing that the action threatens to undermine the gains recorded in the sector.
He noted that his administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the university’s growth and transformation, stressing that his passion for Taraba State and belief in education as a tool for development informed several strategic interventions at the institution.
Consequently, he listed the renovation of a students’ hostel, the construction of a 700-capacity lecture theatre and the successful accreditation of several academic programmes as some of the efforts deliberately designed to reposition the university for excellence and competitiveness.
Beyond the immediate interventions, Governor Agbu Kefas declared his intention to overhaul the university system to ensure improve standards, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
He however, emphasised that the institution must begin to chart a path toward self-sufficiency and reduce over dependence on government funding.
According to him, universities must evolve into centres of innovation, research and devise means of generating revenue internally to sustain their operations while maintaining academic excellence.
At the meeting, the Taraba State Head of Civil Service, Dr Ahmed Hamidu Kara, briefed the gathering on the progress made regarding the university’s pension scheme.
Dr Ahmed Kara
He equally outlined concrete steps taken by the government to address lingering concerns and establish a workable framework for staff retirement benefits.
According to him, about N235 million has been earmarked to settle 30 deceased staff and four retirees from the institution.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mike Dio Jen, highlighted measures already being implemented to address some of the demands raised by ASUU.
Dr Mike Dio Jen
In his remarks, the ASUU Chairman, Dr Mbave Joshua Garba, explained that the strike action was driven by unresolved issues, including the pension scheme, backlog of salary arrears, and the Earned Academic Allowance, among others.
Dr Mbave Joshua Garba
In response, Governor Agbu Kefas directed the union to call off the strike and immediately return to the negotiation table, assuring them of his administration’s readiness to engage constructively and find lasting, mutually beneficial solutions.
The Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Ambassador Idris Waziri, lauded the Governor for his developmental strides within the institution and appealed to ASUU to suspend the strike in the interest of students and the state.
Ambassador Idris Waziri
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Bako, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s continued support, noting that the university community remains grateful for the administration’s sustained interventions and reform-driven agenda.
Professor Sunday Bako
