ASUU Chairman Commends Kefas Over Full Salary Payments, N1bn Debt Clearance at Taraba Varsity

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter, Dr. Garba Mbave, has declared that no previous administration in the institution paid lecturers 100 per cent of their salaries until the emergence of Governor Agbu Kefas.

"There was no government in Taraba State University that has given us 100 per cent of our salaries except you," Mbave said in a public remark addressed to the governor.

The statement is seen as a significant endorsement of the governor's handling of tertiary education funding in the state, particularly at Taraba State University.

Mbave further stated, "I make bold to say that our salaries have been constant from the time you came," underscoring what he described as a period of consistency and stability in salary payments under the current administration.

According to him, when Governor Kefas assumed office, the university was burdened with huge salary arrears.

"As at when you came, sir, the outstanding salary bill was almost N1.8 billion, but you cleared N1 billion. You have done the larger part," he said.

The ASUU chairman also acknowledged the governor's intervention in resolving institutional challenges that had stalled academic progression. He noted that the absence of a governing council had delayed promotions before the present administration took office.

"As at when you came, we were crying that we needed a council so that our promotions would go through. You established the council, and promotions are now ongoing," Mbave stated.

On earned academic allowances, he added that the union recorded a major breakthrough under the current government.

"On the issue of earned academic allowance, other governments have been giving it. It was only in your regime that, as ASUU, we were able to get N310 million," he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing industrial action, which stakeholders say should be viewed within the broader context of reforms and sustained engagement between the state government and the university community.

Observers note that under Governor Kefas, salary payments have remained regular, arrears are being addressed, earned allowances have been disbursed, and governance structures within the university have been strengthened.