Strike: Taraba Govt Releases Additional N300m To State Varsity

As part of the efforts to end the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Taraba State government has released an additional N300 million for the settlement of outstanding liabilities at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo.

The state government had earlier released N200 million to the university management to stabilise the institution and to improve staff welfare.

The state commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mike Dio Jen, disclosed this while updating newsmen on the efforts to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU at the state owned university.

“The latest disbursement, approved and released on March 16, 2026, followed an earlier N200 million paid on March 12 after Governor Agbu Kefas approved the clearance of accumulated arrears owed by the university.

“With the two payments, the outstanding liabilities now stand at about N2.62 billion. To ensure steady liquidation of the debt, the governor has also directed the monthly release of N100 million until the arrears are fully cleared.”

Dr. Jen, who gave breakdown of the liabilities said that, the government inherited salary arrears of about N1.87 billion, out of which N1 billion has been paid, leaving a balance of about N865.89 million.

“The administration also met earned academic and administrative allowances totalling about N2.68 billion. So far, N430 million has been settled, with roughly N2.25 billion still outstanding,” he said.

The commissioner said, the state government has introduced a number of reforms aimed at strengthening operations at TSU, beyond clearing of debt.

“These include the assumption of full responsibility for the payment of staff salaries, replacing the previous 70–30 per cent arrangement between the university and the government.

“The implementation of the new minimum wage in December 2024 also raised the institution’s monthly wage bill from N308.35 million to N637.02 million, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improved staff welfare.

“In addition, the government has taken over the payment of gratuities and pensions for university staff effective January 2026, with all benefits now to be processed through the Office of the Head of Service, Establishment and Records.”

On infrastructure, Dr. Jen further said that the government has embarked on the renovation of key hostels, including the Zenith, JJT, Male, Agric and Prelims hostels, while construction and furnishing of the Okowa Female Hostel is ongoing.

“A 700-capacity lecture theatre is also under construction to enhance teaching and learning, while funds have also been released for accreditation exercises at TSU.”

He said, funds for convocation activities across higher institutions in the state have been released, with the university listed among the beneficiaries.

The measures, he added, form part of the broader efforts by Governor Kefas administration to reposition Taraba State University and improve the quality of higher education in the state.