Striking Taraba Varsity Lecturers Weigh Options, Eye Resumption Next Week

 

Striking staff of Taraba State University are weighing options presented to them to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues that led to the strike, to restore normalcy in the institution.

 

Although the striking staff are commending  Governor Agbu Kefas for implementing the national minimum wage, describing it as a step towards addressing their demands but want 'government pronouncement' on a pension scheme .

 

A staff member, an associate professor who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, appreciated the government's commitment to repositioning the university but noted that only two out of six critical issues have been resolved.

"If all things are concluded by weekend, the lecturers are ready to resume next week because Governor Kefas has shown serious commitment to addressing the issues. We just want a  government pronouncement on our enrollment into the state pension scheme." 

"We are tracking six major issues with the government, but so far, only two have been addressed. We appreciate the Governor's efforts, but the remaining issues, particularly pension arrears and earned academic allowances, need a logical conclusion.

 

"While the Governor deserves commendation, some members of his negotiation team have not handled interactions with us effectively. Their comments are often discouraging," the associate professor said.

 

Another professor in the Faculty of Education, who also pleaded anonymity, commended the government's efforts but pointed out that the governmnet should address other issues raised by the union.

 

Reacting to the development, the Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University Chapter, Dr Mbave Joshua, expressed appreciation for the Governor's steps so far, describing them as "the right steps in the right direction."

 

He, however, urged the government to address the remaining four demands that led to the ongoing strike at the university.

 

"Out of the six issues that prompted the strike, only two have been attended to. The government needs to return to the negotiation table to address the unresolved matters.

 

"Once an agreement is reached, it will be presented to Congress for ratification and forwarded to ASUU's national body for final approval before we can determine whether to call off the strike," Mbave explained.