The Taraba State University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has requested that the state administration speed up the fulfillment of lingering agreements. These include the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and various negotiated benefits, which the union argues are essential to maintaining peaceful labor relations on campus.
While acknowledging the positive steps taken by Governor Agbu Kefas regarding staff welfare, union chairman Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave emphasized the importance of meeting established deadlines. He noted that the national leadership of ASUU is actively tracking state-level compliance regarding these welfare packages. The union warned that further delays could jeopardize the current stability within the institution.
Dr. Mbave highlighted several updates, including the government’s approval to include university staff in the Taraba State Defined Pension Scheme. Records for retirees and deceased personnel have been submitted, and the union is now awaiting the governor’s final endorsement of the memorandum to trigger payments. Additionally, the government has provided funds totaling N700 million to address salary arrears and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).
Despite these strides, the union maintains that critical items, specifically the CATA and the full implementation of the approved salary structure, remain outstanding. The union expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and the Head of Service for their roles in these negotiations. Dr. Mbave reiterated the union’s preference for ongoing dialogue but stressed that they remain vigilant in ensuring all commitments are met to support the university’s long-term development.
