Taraba State University Strike: ASUU Insists on Continuing Strike Despite Exam Resumption Date

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University (TSU) has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the ongoing strike, despite the university management's announcement of a resumption date for the stalled examination session.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the Chairman of the ASUU TSU chapter, Dr. Mbave Joshua Garba, emphasized that the strike will persist until all the union's demands are met. "The government has not met our demands, and until they do, we will not call off the strike," he stated categorically.

The strike, which commenced on December 5, 2024, has disrupted the academic calendar, leaving students uncertain about their future. The examination session, initially scheduled for December, has been postponed to January 20-29, 2025, according to a circular issued by the university management on January 7, 2025.

However, Dr. Garba expressed disagreement with the circular, stating that the union was not consulted before the new examination dates were announced. "We were not part of the decision-making process, and we cannot guarantee that our members will participate in the examination session," he said.

The ASUU chairman noted that while the government has implemented the new minimum wage salaries, which accounts for about 35% of the union's demands, the remaining issues have not been addressed. "We are not just fighting for salaries, we are fighting for the overall improvement of the university system," he emphasized.

As the strike continues, the university campus remains deserted, with several offices closed. Students, eager to complete their examinations and graduate, are left in limbo, unsure of when the strike will be called off.

The Taraba State University chapter of ASUU has been at the forefront of the national ASUU struggle, which has been ongoing for several years. The union's demands include improved funding for universities, better working conditions for academic staff, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

As the situation remains unresolved, students and parents are growing increasingly anxious. The university management's decision to announce a resumption date for the examination session has been seen as a move to put pressure on the union to call off the strike. However, with the ASUU chairman insisting that the strike will continue until all demands are met, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.