Taraba Governor Begs Striking Lecturers to Return to Negotiating Table
By Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has begged the striking lecturers of the Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, to sheath their swords and return to negotiations.
He made the appeal in a statement by his Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, issued on Thursday night in Jalingo.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), TSU chapter on Thursday embarked on an indefinite strike leading to the suspension of the ongoing second semester examination.
The union is demanding the payment of their withheld salaries during the 2022 strike, the absence of a functional pension scheme, and faulted the absence of a governing council in the university.
The union also listed the non-implementation of the national minimum wage for university staff, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, and the government’s failure to approve a 35 per cent salary increment for professors and proportional adjustments for other academic staff among others, as the key reasons for the strike action.
However, Governor Kefas appealed to them to reconsider their action, as dialogue is still the best option to conflict resolution.
The governor, while making the appeal, commended the lecturers for their understanding in the past and urged them to exercise some patience as government is a gradual process.
He said the administration is working on all outstanding agreements and other related issues.
Governor Kefas said the lecturers remain his partners in the effort to provide free education.
He stressed that the role they play in shaping the future of students is one he holds dear.
“It would be recalled that Governor kefas recently met with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of University, TSU branch, to discuss their demands and expectations.
“Kefas reiterated his commitment to meeting their demands and also creating a conducive environment for learning in the university community.
“Relatedly, the tuition fees of the university were slashed by half as the government pays the balance for undergraduates. The move has been hailed by students, parents and stakeholders as bold and timely.
“Also, massive renovation works were done in the female hostels as well as other parts of the institutions.
“Moreso, a panel of inquiry into some of the issues affecting TSU was set up under the Chairmanship of former Speaker, Prof. Josiah Kente to get to the roots of the challenges. The panel’s report has since been submitted,” Mr Bello said.
