Taraba Varsity ASUU Extends Ultimatum by Two Weeks at Government’s Request

By Godwin Agia, Taraba

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo Branch, has granted the Taraba State Government an additional two weeks to address its outstanding demands and avert industrial action.

The extension followed an official request by the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for more time to resolve the issues raised by the union.

ASUU-TSU is demanding, among other issues, the full implementation of the FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement and other outstanding provisions affecting its members and the university.

Peoples Daily reports that the union had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum on August 13, 2026, calling on Governor Kefas and the state government to fully implement the agreement or risk industrial action.

The ultimatum expired on August 26 without what the union described as concrete and verifiable action from the government. However, ASUU refrained from embarking on industrial action because of the university’s combined convocation scheduled within the period.

Following the expiration of the initial ultimatum, the union issued what it described as a final 14-day ultimatum, running from September 14 to September 28, 2026.

Speaking on Tuesday, ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr Joshua Garba Mbave, confirmed that the union had received an official communication from the state government requesting an additional two weeks to address its demands.

“Yes, we have received an official communication from the state government requesting an additional two weeks to enable the government to meet our demands. We communicated this to ASUU national, and they asked us to accept the request,” Mbave said.

He explained that the branch subsequently convened an emergency meeting, where members unanimously agreed to grant the government the requested extension.

Mbave, however, warned that the union could embark on industrial action if the government failed to meet its demands before the expiration of the extended deadline.

“Members also warned that industrial action would be taken if our demands are not met after the expiration of the newly extended 14 days,” he said.

The ASUU chairman acknowledged the efforts of the Taraba State Government in addressing some of the challenges facing the university but urged the government to demonstrate greater commitment to implementing the agreements reached with the union.

He said fulfilling the agreements would help prevent industrial disputes and ensure an uninterrupted academic calendar at Taraba State University.