Kefas, ASUU Disagree on Ending Strike as Union Rejects Governor’s Directive

Governor Agbu Kefas has moved to end the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter, but the union has rejected his directive, insisting that its demands must be fully addressed before any suspension of the industrial action.

The governor on Wednesday convened a high-level meeting with the management of Taraba State University and leaders of ASUU at the Exco Chamber, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, amid growing concern over the disruption of academic activities.

At the meeting, Governor Kefas expressed disappointment over the strike, describing it as a setback to the educational progress of the state. He warned that prolonged industrial action could undermine gains recorded in the sector.

The governor highlighted interventions undertaken by his administration at the university, including the renovation of a students' hostel, construction of a 700-capacity lecture theatre and accreditation of several academic programmes. He reiterated his commitment to repositioning the institution for excellence and long-term sustainability.

Kefas also declared plans to overhaul the university system to improve standards and accountability, urging the institution to evolve towards innovation, research and internally generated revenue to reduce dependence on government funding.

The Head of Civil Service, Dr Ahmed Hamidu Kara, briefed the meeting on progress regarding the university's pension scheme, disclosing that about N235 million had been earmarked to settle benefits of 30 deceased staff and four retirees.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mike Dio Jen, outlined measures taken to address some of the union's concerns.

In his remarks, the ASUU Chairman, Dr Joshua Garba Mbave, said the strike was triggered by unresolved issues, including the pension scheme, backlog of salary arrears and Earned Academic Allowance.

Governor Kefas subsequently directed the union to call off the strike and return to the negotiation table, assuring members of his administration's readiness for constructive engagement.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Idris Waziri, appealed to the union to suspend the action in the interest of students, while the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Bako, commended the governor's interventions in the institution.

However, speaking in Jalingo, Mbave said the union had rejected the governor's directive after an emergency congress.

"Yes, ASUU TSU has rejected the directive by Governor Agbu Kefas to call off the ongoing strike," he said.

"We had a meeting with the governor on February 25, 2026, but unfortunately, the governor did not offer to do anything regarding our demands. He only directed that the ongoing strike action be called off."

According to him, members unanimously resolved that the strike would continue until their demands are met to their satisfaction.

"Members insisted that except the union's demands before the government are met to their satisfaction, such a directive will not be considered," he stated.

Mbave further alleged that the union had earlier written to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to notify him of a planned visit by ASUU national officials but was not granted an audience.

"We requested him to interact with them and discuss the state government's efforts towards averting the current strike, but he neglected us. The commissioner did not grant them an audience after waiting for two days," he alleged.

He also accused the commissioner of misrepresenting the union's position, claiming members resolved that "there is no going back until all the demands are fully met."

With both sides holding firm positions, the dispute appears set for further negotiations as stakeholders express concern over the prolonged closure of academic activities at the state-owned university.