Students of Taraba State University, TSU, Jalingo, have made an emotional appeal to the Taraba State Government and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, TSU chapter, urging both parties to urgently resolve their differences and bring the ongoing industrial action to an end.
The students, who expressed frustration, disappointment and uncertainty over the prolonged disruption of academic activities, made the appeal following a meeting between the government and the university’s academic staff union, which they had hoped would produce a breakthrough and lead to the immediate suspension of the strike.
However, their expectations were reportedly left unfulfilled, leaving thousands of students worried about their academic future.
In a statement, the students acknowledged that ASUU has legitimate demands and that the state government may also be facing financial and administrative challenges.
However, they stressed that students should not continue to bear the consequences of the prolonged disagreement.
Of particular concern are final-year students who have completed most of their academic requirements and are now waiting to sit for their final examinations, graduate and move forward with their lives.
“The continued strike has subjected many of us to emotional distress, financial hardship and uncertainty, while parents and guardians who have invested heavily in our education are equally affected”, the students lamented.
While appealing to the state government to listen to their concerns and demonstrate renewed commitment towards resolving the issues responsible for the industrial action, the students emphasized that their appeal is not intended to undermine the rights or positions of either party but to remind all stakeholders that thousands of innocent students are caught in the middle of the dispute.
“Please, let us write our examinations. Let us complete our studies. Let us go home with the certificates we have worked so hard for,” they appealed.