The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has called on the Taraba State government to urgently pay the backlog of withheld salaries and allowances owed to its members at the Taraba State University, TSU, Jalingo.
Speaking on Friday during the union’s 11th Regular Zonal Executive Council, ZEC, meeting held in Jalingo, the National President of the association, Muhammad Haruna, emphasized the importance of fair treatment for non teaching staff, describing them as an integral part of the university system.
Haruna commended the leadership of the TSU branch of SSANU, particularly its Chairperson, Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, for his resilience in fighting for members’ rights.
He urged the state government to act swiftly to resolve the issues to maintain industrial harmony and ensure a stable academic calendar.
“I commend Governor Agbu Kefas, the Vice Chancellor, and other stakeholders for their efforts during the recent dispute. However, I call on the government to immediately pay all withheld salaries and allowances to prevent future crises,”; Haruna stated.
He also encouraged SSANU members to remain committed to their duties, while warning that the union would not shield any member who acts contrary to university regulations.
In his remarks, TSU SSANU Chairperson, Ajibauka, thanked the state governor for approving part payment of the backlog and implementing the new N70,000 national minimum wage. However, he pressed for the full settlement of outstanding entitlements to foster a harmonious labour-management relationship.
Ajibauka also highlighted key achievements of the union’s branch, which he reeled out to include the reinstatement of unjustly suspended staff, restoration of administrative roles to non-teaching staff, payment of several previously withheld allowances, and implementation of improved salary structures.
Speaking on behalf of the state governor, Agbu Kefas, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Lawson, reiterated the administration’s commitment to educational reform.
Citing the 50% reduction in tuition fees across tertiary institutions in the state, he urged SSANU to continue supporting government efforts to enhance the quality of education in Taraba.
