By Emmanuel Awari
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University (TSU) has commenced an indefinite strike, citing the exclusion of academic staff from the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage and unresolved staff welfare concerns.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Jalingo, ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr. Joshua Mbave, said the industrial action was necessary following the failure of the university management and the state government to address lingering issues. The strike disrupts ongoing second-semester examinations, leaving graduating students in limbo.
“This action has become inevitable due to the failure of the university management and the government to address critical welfare and institutional issues, despite being granted a 30-day relief period that expired on July 4, 2024,” the statement read.
Key grievances include the absence of a pension scheme, unpaid salary backlogs, the non-constitution of a governing council, and outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Dr. Mbave described the exclusion of TSU academic staff from national salary adjustments as “unjustifiable and utterly unacceptable.”
“It is an affront that the University is still operating under the outdated 2009 University salary structure. The ₦30,000 minimum wage of 2019 was never implemented, and the 2023 salary adjustment of 25%-35% was ignored. Now, the ₦70,000 minimum wage of 2024 has excluded TSU again, despite all necessary documentation being submitted,” he stated.
The union also highlighted the inadequate funding of the university, which they said violates the law establishing the institution, further affecting its smooth operation.
The state government and university management are yet to respond to the strike action, which threatens to prolong academic activities at the institution.