The Taraba State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has given the state government an ultimatum to implement the 2025 federal-ASUU agreement or face strike action. The union made this declaration in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday.
Dr. Joshua Garba Mbaver, the chapter's chairman, signed the statement warning that lecturers have exhausted their patience.
"Enough of empty promises is enough," the statement declared.
The union accused the Taraba State Government of repeatedly breaching commitments made to academic staff. It said the administration's silence and inaction demonstrate clear neglect of the university and threaten its future.
ASUU listed several unresolved demands, including failure to implement the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, Professorial Allowance, and Earned Academic Allowance. The union stressed these issues aren't fresh grievances but have been discussed, negotiated, and formally presented to the government multiple times.
The 2025 agreement was designed to tackle persistent problems facing public universities, the union explained. It covers staff welfare, university funding, education system revitalisation, improved working conditions, and institutional strengthening.
According to the statement, the government's refusal to implement the agreement is "unacceptable, provocative and dangerous" for the institution. The union said the continued delays undermine collective bargaining principles and show a lack of commitment to the university's survival.
ASUU clarified it isn't demanding preferential treatment but seeking fulfilment of already-reached agreements. "We are demanding what is due to our members," the statement noted.
The union called for immediate implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and payment of all outstanding arrears from unimplemented entitlements. It also demanded respect for collective bargaining as a basis for industrial peace.
ASUU warned it would launch an indefinite strike if the government doesn't address its demands soon. The union stressed that implementing negotiated agreements reflects respect for labour, fairness, and institutional stability.
