Taraba varsity ASUU seeks timely implementation of agreements, commends Gov Kefas’ staff welfare
By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU), has urged governor Agbu Kefas to conclude the implementation of the outstanding obligations agreed between the union and the state government.
The ASUU branch chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, in a statement on Thursday said that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) is closely monitoring compliance by government, particularly the implementation of the CATA and other negotiated obligations.
Dr. Mbave cautioned that prolonged delays in implementing the commitments may adversely affect the prevailing industrial harmony in the University.
The ASUU- TSU branch commended governor Kefas’ commitment to staff welfare.
“While ASUU-TSU branch wishes to urge the Taraba state government to conclude the implementation of the outstanding obligations within the applicable timelines to sustain the cordial industrial relations presently existing between the government and the Union, we wish to also acknowledges the constructive engagements held with the state government.
“We wish to inform the state government that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU, is closely monitoring compliance by state governments, particularly with respect to the implementation of the CATA and other negotiated obligations affecting State Universities.
“The prolonged delays in implementing the commitments may adversely affect the prevailing atmosphere of industrial harmony in the University,” the statement added.
The union updated the university community and the general public on the status of the implementation of agreement with government and the outstanding obligations.
“We wish to inform that the Taraba State Government has approved the enrolment of staff of Taraba State University into the Taraba State Defined Pension Scheme. As part of the implementation process, the particulars of retired and deceased members of staff have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for processing and enrolment under the Scheme.
“We have been officially informed by the Head of Civil Service, whole is also the supervising permanent secretary, ministry for Tertiary education that the remaining administrative requirement is the formal endorsement of the approved Memorandum by the governor. Upon such endorsement, implementation of the Scheme and payment of the accrued pension benefits to eligible beneficiaries are expected to commence.
“We are pleased to report continued progress in the liquidation of outstanding salary arrears and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). Following the suspension of the industrial action, the Taraba State Government released the sum of N500 million towards the settlement of the outstanding obligations.
“In furtherance of this commitment, an additional N200 million was released in July 2026 to sustain the payment process,” the statement further
The union commended the commitment and sustained interventions of the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Dr. Mike Dio Jen, and the Head of Service and Supervising Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tertiary Education, Dr. Ahmed Hamidu Kara, for their efforts.
It also noted that some commitments were still unmet, and urged the state government to act in that regard.
“While appreciable progress has been recorded in addressing the welfare concerns of members, the Branch notes that the implementation of the approved salary structure, the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), and other negotiated entitlements remains outstanding.
“The request by the Branch for implementation of CATA was formally communicated to the Governing Council of Taraba State University on 17th March 2026.
“Furthermore, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has communicated the same FGN/ASUU agreement 2025 to the Visitors of State Universities for immediate implementation, including Taraba State University.
“The Union therefore respectfully calls on the Taraba State Government to expedite the necessary administrative processes and take all appropriate steps to ensure timely implementation of the approved salary structure (CATA), and all other outstanding negotiated entitlements”. The union noted.
Dr. Mbave expressed the union’s readiness to constructive engagement and social dialogue. He stated that the ASUU-TSU will continue to monitor the implementation of all agreements while taking all lawful and legitimate measures necessary to safeguard the welfare of its members and promote the continued growth, stability, and development of the University.
