Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has appealed to striking lecturers of the Taraba State University, TSU, to return to the negotiation table in order to resolve their grievances.
In a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor urged members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), TSU chapter, to reconsider their decision to embark on an indefinite strike.
The strike, which began on Thursday, was observed to have disrupted the ongoing second-semester examinations.
The lecturers are demanding payment of withheld salaries during the 2022 strike, the establishment of a functional pension scheme, and the formation of a governing council for the university, among others.
They vowed not to return to the classrooms until the demands are addressed.
Other grievances, which DAILY POST observed to have compelled the lecturers to down their working implements, include non-implementation of the national minimum wage for university staff, unpaid Earned Academic Allowances, and a lack of salary adjustments for professors and other academic staff.
While appealing for patience, the governor identified dialogue as the most effective means of resolving conflicts.
He commended the lecturers for their past cooperation and reassured them of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
“The lecturers are crucial partners in shaping the future of our students. I urge them to give dialogue a chance as we work towards fulfilling all outstanding agreements,” Kefas said.
Kefas, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment and ensuring progress in the university community.
Indefinite strike: Kefas urges Taraba varsity lecturers to resume negotiations