By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Taraba State Government has intervened in an effort to resolve the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions at Taraba State University (TSU), by assuming full responsibility for staff salaries. This marks a shift from the previous arrangement where the university paid 70 per cent and the government covered 30 per cent.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo by the Commissioner for Information and Re-Orientation, Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo.
She announced that the state government implemented a new minimum wage in December 2024, which increased the monthly wage bill from N308,349,199.46 to N637,018,444.97.
“From January 2026, the government has taken over the payment of gratuities and pensions for university staff,” the Commissioner stated.
“Moving forward, all staff benefit claims should be submitted to the Office of the Head of Service, Establishment and Records, for processing and payment. The matter of outstanding arrears is currently under review.”
According to the Commissioner, the current administration inherited salary arrears totalling N1,865,894,248.58, of which N1 billion has already been settled, leaving an outstanding balance of N865,894,248.58.
She further detailed that the government also inherited liabilities for Earned Academic and Administrative Allowances (EAA) amounting to N2,680,920,399.48. Out of this sum, N430 million has been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of N2,250,920,399.40.
The Commissioner revealed that on 12th March 2026, the government approved the payment of all outstanding allowances, with an immediate release of N200 million that same day and a further N300 million on 16th March 2026. This leaves a total outstanding of N2,616,814,645.06.
“Furthermore, His Excellency has directed the monthly release of N100 million until the full approved sum is settled,” she added.
She also noted that funds had been approved and released for accreditation exercises and convocation ceremonies at TSU and other higher institutions in the state, running into millions of naira.
Highlighting other achievements at the university, the Commissioner pointed to regular staff promotions with arrears paid, the renovation of several hostels including Zenith, JJT, male, Agric, and prelims hostels, as well as the construction and furnishing of the Okowa female hostel and a new 700-capacity lecture theatre.
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