TheCable

The Taraba State University (TSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared an indefinite strike over the alleged non-implementation of its demands.

Samuel Shikaa, ASUU chairman at the university, announced the decision in a statement sent to TheCable on Friday.

Shikaa said the union was forced to embark on the strike over poor funding by the state government, fractional payment of salaries, and non-implementation of the memorandum of action (MoA) signed with the union in 2021.

Other issues, he said, include non-payment of promotion and salary arrears.

The union leader also countered claims by the state government that it was not owing lecturers at the institution.

“The relationship between the Taraba state government and the ASUU has once again deteriorated, as the government’s actions have forced the union into another round of industrial disharmony,” the statement reads.

“Despite previous efforts to address the university staff’s issues, including unpaid salaries, inadequate funding, and non-implementation of agreements, the government’s recent actions and utterances have further exacerbated the situation.

“As a result, our members have been compelled to take industrial action to demand their rights and ensure that their welfare is given the attention it deserves.

“This latest development highlights the urgent need for a lasting solution to the issues facing workers at Taraba State University and the importance of constructive engagement between the government and the union to ensure a harmonious and productive work environment.”

Shikaa vowed that the union would pursue the demands to a “logical conclusion”.

“In conclusion, the branch craves for the understanding of the general public and the university community to prevail on the Taraba state government to attend to the legitimate demands of our members. The union, at this moment, affirms its resoluteness to pursue these issues to a logical conclusion,” the statement added.