ASUU Disclaims Viral Fake News on Suspension of Taraba State University Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, has officially disowned a viral press release claiming the suspension of its ongoing indefinite strike.

The debunked document, dated March 9, 2026, alleged that the union had resolved to call off the industrial action following "positive commitments" from the state government. However, union officials and university management have labeled the report as "Fake News" and urged students, parents, and the general public to disregard it entirely.

Strike Remains in Effect

The strike, which was resumed on February 18, 2026, continues to halt academic activities at the institution. The ASUU-TSU Chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, reaffirmed that the union's stance remains unchanged until the Taraba State Government takes "concrete and verifiable steps" toward fulfilling its obligations.

Backlog of Outstanding Salaries: Unpaid arrears dating back several months.

Earned Academic Allowances (EAA): A reported ₦1.7 billion backlog that remains unsettled.

Functional Pension Scheme: The total neglect of a pension structure for academic staff.

2025 Agreement Implementation: Failure to apply the newly negotiated ASUU-FGN agreement terms.

Government and Management Response

In response to the lingering crisis, the Taraba State Government has reiterated its "No Work, No Pay" policy, as communicated by the Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Mike Dio. Meanwhile, Governor Agbu Kefas has ordered an investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the university's accounting department to address underlying issues fueling the unrest.

The University Management has issued a formal notice urging the campus community to remain calm and to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media, emphasizing that any official change in the strike status will be communicated through authorized channels.

A Call for Sincerity

Dr. Mbave emphasized that the union remains open to "constructive engagement" but cautioned that the "integrity of public university education is compromised" by continued administrative failures.

Students are advised to await official directives before returning to campus, as all lecture halls and administrative offices remain closed under the current industrial action.