By Terna Chikpa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, has urged Governor Agbu Kefas to conclude the implementation of outstanding obligations within the agreed timelines to sustain the cordial industrial relations currently existing between the state government and the union.
The Branch Chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday. He noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU is closely monitoring compliance by state governments, particularly with respect to the implementation of the Consolidated Academic and Associated Staff Tools Allowance (CATA) and other negotiated obligations affecting state universities.
Dr. Mbave warned that prolonged delays in implementing the commitments could adversely affect the prevailing atmosphere of industrial harmony in the university.
The ASUU-TSU branch, however, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to staff welfare and the constructive engagements between the union and the state government.
“While the 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 also acknowledge 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 CATA and other negotiated obligations affecting state universities. Prolonged delays in implementing these commitments may adversely affect the prevailing atmosphere of industrial harmony in the university,” the statement read.
Dr. Mbave also updated the university community and the general public on the status of the implementation of agreements reached with the state government on members’ welfare.
“The ASUU-TSU branch acknowledges the constructive engagements held with the Taraba State Government and wishes to provide the following updates on the progress recorded and the outstanding obligations requiring implementation.
“We wish to inform you 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, who 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 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 ₦500 million towards the settlement of the outstanding obligations.
“In furtherance of this commitment, an additional ₦200 million was released in July 2026 to sustain the payment process,” the statement added.
The union commended the commitment and sustained interventions of the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, and the Head of Civil Service and Supervising Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tertiary Education, Dr. Ahmed Hamidu Kara, for their efforts.
It, however, noted that some commitments remained outstanding and urged the state government to address them.
“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 and Associated Staff Tools Allowance (CATA), and other negotiated entitlements remains outstanding.
“The request by the branch for the implementation of CATA was formally communicated to the Governing Council of Taraba State University on March 17, 2026.
“Furthermore, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has communicated the provisions of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement 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 the timely implementation of the approved salary structure, CATA, and all other outstanding negotiated entitlements,” the statement said.
Dr. Mbave reaffirmed the union’s commitment to constructive engagement and social dialogue. He said the ASUU-TSU branch would 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.
