By Femi Bolaji

JALINGO — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, has urged Governor Agbu Kefas to expedite the implementation of outstanding welfare commitments to sustain the prevailing industrial harmony at the institution.

While acknowledging progress made by the Taraba State Government in addressing some of its demands, the union said its national leadership is closely monitoring compliance with negotiated agreements affecting state-owned universities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of ASUU-TSU, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, appealed to the state government to conclude the implementation of the remaining obligations within the agreed timelines.

“While ASUU-TSU urges the Taraba State Government to conclude the implementation of the outstanding obligations within the applicable timelines to sustain the cordial industrial relations presently existing between the government and the union, we also acknowledge the constructive engagements held with the state government,” he said.

Mbave noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU is monitoring the implementation of agreements by state governments, particularly those relating to the Consolidated Academic and Associated Staff Allowance (CATA) and other negotiated entitlements.

He warned that prolonged delays in implementing the outstanding commitments could affect the current atmosphere of industrial harmony at the university.

Providing an update on discussions with the government, Mbave disclosed that the state had approved the enrolment of TSU staff into the Taraba State Defined Pension Scheme.

He said documentation for retired and deceased staff members had been submitted and that the union was awaiting Governor Kefas’ approval of the Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the payment of accrued pension benefits.

According to him, the state government released ₦500 million following the suspension of the union’s recent industrial action and later approved an additional ₦200 million in July 2026 to continue the payment of outstanding salary arrears and the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).

Mbave said that although progress had been made in addressing staff welfare, the implementation of the approved salary structure, CATA and other negotiated entitlements remained outstanding.

He disclosed that the union formally requested the implementation of CATA in a letter to the university’s Governing Council on March 17, 2026.

He also noted that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had communicated the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement to visitors of state universities, including Taraba State University, urging them to commence implementation.

Mbave appealed to the Taraba State Government to fast-track the necessary administrative processes to ensure the timely implementation of the approved salary structure, CATA and other outstanding entitlements.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, while stressing that it would continue to monitor the implementation of the agreements to safeguard the welfare and rights of its members.