The lingering crisis at the Taraba State University, TSU, which forced academic staff to embark on an indefinite industrial action, may soon be resolved following a major financial intervention by the Taraba State government.
This development, as noticed by DAILY POST became evident on Thursday when the state governor, Agbu Kefas, personally visited the university campus in Jalingo, the state capital, where he announced the approval of N3 billion to address outstanding entitlements owed to staff unions.
The intervention is widely seen as a decisive step toward ending the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, chapter of the institution.
While addressing members of the university community, the governor approved the immediate release of N200 million as part of the settlement. He also authorized monthly payments of N100 million beginning in April, which, according to him, will continue until the accumulated arrears are fully cleared.
In a symbolic show of commitment to the agreement, Kefa ,who serves as the Visitor to the university, was observed to have also signed documents authorizing the disbursement of the funds in the presence of the union leaders, including the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Mbave Joshua Garba.
Members of the university community have welcomed the intervention, describing it as a positive step toward restoring normal academic activities after months of disruption caused by the industrial action.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the university unions has scheduled a congress meeting to deliberate on the government’s offer.
Observers expect the unions to consider suspending the strike to allow lectures and other academic activities to resume.
However, some lecturers who spoke with DAILY POST noted that the final decision will depend on the outcome of the congress.
If the strike is eventually called off, the development is expected to stabilize the academic calendar at Taraba State University and bring relief to thousands of students whose studies have been stalled by the dispute.