The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Taraba State Government to urgently settle the backlog of withheld salaries and allowances owed to its members at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo.
The call was made on Friday during the association’s 11th Regular Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held in Jalingo. Speaking at the event, SSANU’s National President, Muhammad Haruna, stressed the need for fair treatment of non-teaching staff, describing them as vital to the university system.
Haruna lauded the leadership of the TSU SSANU branch, particularly its Chairperson, Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, for his dedication to defending the rights of members.
> “I commend Governor Agbu Kefas, the Vice Chancellor, and other stakeholders for their roles during the recent dispute. However, I urge the government to immediately pay all outstanding salaries and allowances to avoid future crises,” he said.
Haruna also urged SSANU members to maintain professionalism and warned that the union would not protect anyone found violating university regulations.
In his remarks, Ajibauka acknowledged the governor’s partial payment of the backlog and implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage. He, however, emphasized the need for full payment of all entitlements to strengthen labour-management relations.
Ajibauka highlighted notable gains made under his leadership, including the reinstatement of wrongfully suspended staff, restoration of administrative responsibilities to non-teaching staff, payment of some previously withheld benefits, and improvements in salary structures.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Kefas, Deputy Chief of Staff Emmanuel Lawson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education reform. He cited the recent 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions as proof of the government’s resolve to make education more accessible.
Lawson urged SSANU to continue cooperating with the state government in its drive to improve the quality of education in Taraba State.
