Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commended Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for ensuring the full and consistent payment of lecturers’ salaries at Taraba State University, despite the ongoing indefinite strike.
This was disclosed by the Taraba State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Jalingo, following a meeting between the governor and members of ASUU on Thursday.
Speaking with journalists in Jalingo, Jalingo said the commendation was made by the ASUU Chairman, Joshua Mbave, during an interface with the governor aimed at resolving issues surrounding the industrial action embarked upon since February 18, 2026.
According to her, the union’s position reflects Governor Kefas’ commitment to lecturers’ welfare and educational development in the state.
She said the remark was not politically motivated, but a professional assessment by the union leadership.
“It is a professional acknowledgment from the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities,Taraba State University.
“At a time when public universities across the nation grapple with irregular payments and protracted disputes, Taraba State University has witnessed consistency and stability. Taraba State University has enjoyed salary consistency under this government. Even more telling is the fact that when Governor Kefas assumed office, he said, Education is the number one priority of this administration. As the Chairman further affirmed,
“I make bold to say that our salaries have been constant from the time you came. There was no Government in Taraba State that has given us 100% of our salaries except you.”
Jalingo further quoted the ASUU chairman as highlighting the financial challenges inherited by the administration and the steps taken to address them.
“When Governor Agbu Kefas assumed office, the financial situation of the university was daunting. 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. Clearing such a substantial portion of inherited liabilities within a short time reflects responsibility, and sincerity of purpose ASUU Chairman disclosed during the meeting.”
She noted that the consistency in salary payments was the outcome of deliberate leadership and prioritisation of education by the Taraba State Government.
According to her, the administration has also tackled institutional challenges that previously slowed academic progress, particularly in the area of governance and promotions.
“it is the product of disciplined leadership and a deliberate prioritization of education by Taraba State Government.
“The ASUU chairman further in his statement disclosed that as at when the governor came, we they crying that they needed a council so that their promotions would go through and the governor established the council, and promotions are now ongoing.””
On earned academic allowances, Jalingo said the union acknowledged the administration’s intervention.
> “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.”
She described the intervention as evidence of a responsive and people-oriented government, adding that the governor’s actions have strengthened confidence in the state’s education sector.
Addressing the ongoing strike, the commissioner urged the public not to misinterpret the industrial action as a failure of governance.
“The current industrial action by ASUU should not be misinterpreted as evidence of failure, but understood within the broader context of sustained engagement and reform. The facts are clear, salaries are paid in full, arrears are being cleared, allowances have been disbursed, promotions are ongoing, and governance structures are functioning. Under this administration, education is not abandoned, it is being rebuilt with vision, responsibility, and unflinching commitment. The information commissioner stated.”
She reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to continue dialogue with ASUU to ensure lasting industrial harmony and sustained academic excellence in Taraba State.
