Why I Temporarily Relocated Office To Taraba Varsity

Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, has temporarily relocated his office to the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, in a move to resolve the crisis that led to the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

During an official visit to the institution, the governor directed the immediate suspension of the strike and ordered the resumption of academic activities while discussions between the government and the lecturers continue.

Kefas said the decision to work from the university campus underscores the seriousness of his administration’s commitment to ending the impasse and restoring stability to the institution.

He described the disruption of academic activities as unacceptable, and stressed that the future of the students must not be jeopardised.

“Education is non-negotiable. The destiny of our children cannot be suspended indefinitely,” the governor said.

He then acknowledged that some of the concerns raised by the lecturers were legitimate, noting that many of the outstanding entitlements predated his administration.

To demonstrate government’s commitment to resolving the dispute, he announced the immediate release of N200 million to offset part of the outstanding obligations owed to the lecturers.

He added that the state government would also pay N100 million monthly starting from next month until the inherited liabilities are fully cleared.

The governor expressed concern over the hardship the strike had imposed on students and their families, noting that many had remained at home while their academic programmes were disrupted.

“At a time when our country faces serious economic and social challenges, education must be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” he said.

Governor Kefas, therefore, directed the vice-chancellor to ensure the immediate resumption of lectures, and assured that dialogue with the lecturers would continue until all outstanding issues are addressed.

Earlier, the chairman of the University Governing Council, Amb Idris Waziri, welcomed the governor’s intervention, and expressed optimism that the difficult period facing the institution has come to an end.

Amb Waziri, said the university had suffered years of neglect and accumulated obligations to staff unions prior to the present administration, but expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would reposition the institution.