Taraba Residents Advocate Dialogue After ASUU Suspends University Strike
Residents of Taraba State have urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Taraba State University to prioritize sustained dialogue with the government over industrial action, following the suspension of a week-long strike. The appeal emerged on Wednesday after lecturers called off the strike, allowing academic activities to resume at the institution.
Community Calls for Continuous Engagement
Many residents, speaking to The Guardian, praised the state government for its role in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy on campus. They emphasized that ongoing engagement between authorities and university staff is crucial for addressing grievances without disrupting the academic calendar. According to them, stability at the institution is vital for students and the broader development of the state's education sector.
Highlighting Government Reforms and Investments
Residents pointed to ongoing reforms under the current administration, noting significant investments in infrastructure and student welfare. Key improvements include hostel renovations and reductions in tuition fees, extending to postgraduate programmes, which they say have enhanced the university's affordability and national competitiveness. They referenced the reported release of over N3 billion for infrastructure and staff welfare as evidence of the government's commitment to revitalizing the institution.
Voices from the Community
Dr. Sanda Gilbert, a resident, urged lecturers to support the ongoing reforms, highlighting that substantial changes have been introduced since 2023. He called for collaboration between staff and the government to advance the university. Similarly, Aliyu Ayuba noted that recent government interventions have contributed to the accreditation of several academic programmes, expressing optimism that stronger cooperation would accelerate institutional growth.
Government's Financial Commitments Disclosed
Providing further insight, the State Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, disclosed that billions of naira have been spent to sustain the university since the current administration took office. He revealed that over N3 billion had been approved to clear salary arrears owed to both academic and non-academic staff, with N200 million recently released and an additional N300 million approved to continue payments.
According to Jen, the administration inherited more than N4 billion in unpaid salaries, representing nearly two years of arrears, and had earlier released over N1 billion to address the backlog. He also noted that the university's monthly wage bill has risen significantly—from about N308 million to over N636 million—following the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage. Despite this increase, he said the government has maintained consistent salary payments.
Infrastructure and Accreditation Investments
Beyond salaries, the commissioner disclosed that over N2 billion has been invested in hostel renovations, alongside the construction of the Makowa Hostel to improve student accommodation. Additional approvals include over N250 million for programme accreditation and N161 million for the university's convocation. Jen reaffirmed the administration's commitment to strengthening the institution and improving staff welfare, urging ASUU and other unions to maintain cooperation with the government to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
