Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has formally appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider the plight of undergraduates and opt for constructive negotiation to settle the ongoing industrial dispute at the Taraba State University located in Jalingo.
The governor made this appeal during an official tour of the institution, highlighting his deep worry regarding the stalling of academic calendars and the academic uncertainty confronting students due to the protracted strike.
Kefas pressed the academic union and relevant authorities to pursue meaningful discussions aimed at settling pending demands and reopening the campus for normal learning processes.
"The prolonged industrial action negatively affects students’ academic progress, particularly those preparing for examinations under difficult circumstances," Kefas stated.
What measures are being taken to address staff grievances?
During the visit, the governor gave assurances that valid staff emoluments and welfare allowances would be looked into, underlining the necessity of tackling legitimate grievances through transparent communication and mutual compromise.
He further charged the university administration to step up efforts in ending the impasse and boosting safety protocols on campus to establish a secure atmosphere favorable for lectures, academic studies, and research.
Beyond the immediate labor dispute, Kefas highlighted the critical role of technological progress, scientific breakthroughs, and academic partnerships in boosting the institution's impact on regional growth.
He urged the citadel of learning to leverage prospects in the sciences, engineering, academic research, and inter-institutional alliances to drive educational distinction and long-term development.
What was the university management's reaction?
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of TSU, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, voiced deep concern over the stretched industrial action and advocated for swift measures to resolve the crisis.
Bako reiterated the dedication of the school leadership to ongoing consultations and negotiations with key actors to hasten the reopening of classrooms and curtail further setbacks to the students' academic pursuits.
He additionally stressed the significance of preserving law and order within the campus environment while upholding the institution's core mandate of delivering quality education, pioneering research, and technological advancement.