Gombe varsity ASUU rejects arrears, threatens strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the North-East region has supported the ongoing strike by lecturers at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo. They are urging Governor Agbu Kefas to promptly implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement and pay all outstanding arrears. The union visited the university on Tuesday and criticized the Taraba State government for not adhering to the agreed remuneration framework, viewing it as a breach of promises and disregard for staff welfare.

The ASUU Yola Zone Coordinator, Comrade Dani Mamman, addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for immediate action from the government to address the lecturers' concerns. The union expressed disappointment in the Taraba State government's approach compared to other North-East states that had already implemented the agreement. A fact-finding team from Taraba State Government had reportedly concluded that the universities visited had fully implemented the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, but the union maintains that the government is still delaying salary computations and considering various implementation scenarios.

The remuneration framework must be strictly followed according to the December 23, 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, which outlines various remuneration components. The ASUU further warned that the delay could negatively impact staff retention, institutional competitiveness, and the university's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.

The union called on the Taraba State government to implement the agreement without further consultations, payment of all accumulated arrears, adherence to the agreed payment template, and meaningful engagement to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute.