The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, Taraba State University, TSU, has called off its strike.
The strike which lasted for over a month, was called off following the state government’s promise to meet the union’s demands.
In a statement released on Saturday, ASUU-TSU, Chairman, Dr Joshua Mbaver, announced the suspension of the industrial action.
He disclosed that the strike, which began on December 5, 2024, was triggered by the State government’s partial implementation of multiple agreements dating back to 2014.
Mbaver said, “The government, through the University Governing Council, has committed to improving funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008. An initial payment of 10% of the accumulated EAA has been disbursed, with a commitment to release 5% of the total arrears monthly starting February 2025 until full payment is achieved.”
He said the state government has agreed to approve and implement a State Defined Pension Scheme, ensuring efficient and prompt payment of retirement benefits to the lecturers.
A template for clearing outstanding arrears is set to be finalized by the first week of February 2025. Adjustments to the council’s composition will be made to comply with statutory requirements. He said.
The government, as further stated by him, has agreed to the implementation of the new national minimum wage and consequential adjustments, with assurances of timely salary disbursements.
He noted that the suspension was approved by ASUU National and the TSU Congress following the government’s fulfillment of critical demands.
“We extend our profound gratitude to ASUU National, the Zonal leadership, and the TSU Congress for their unwavering support, which has culminated in the successful resolution of this struggle,” he said.
He also commended the governor for his proactive leadership in resolving the dispute, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the university administration for their collaborative efforts in achieving a resolution.