TSU Plunged into Chaos as Non-Academic Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike

 

The Taraba State University community has been thrown into turmoil as the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) embarked on an indefinite strike action, effective December 22, 2024. This development comes on the heels of the recent strike action embarked upon by the Taraba State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which occurred amidst ongoing semester exams, leaving students in a state of uncertainty. The ASUU strike, which was called to protest the non-payment of salaries and allowances, among other issues, brought academic activities to a grinding halt, and it seems that the NASU is now taking a similar stand. The strike, which was approved by the national leadership of NASU, is in response to the refusal of the Taraba State Government and the university management to address the union's lingering demands.

According to a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, the NASU branch chairman, Comrade Nkyareuten Musa Ipeyen, stated that the union had written and interacted severally with the university management and the state government on their local demands without receiving any positive responses. The union had also grown tired of the failed oral promises made to their members, prompting them to take industrial action.

The NASU has listed eight key demands that must be addressed by the university management and the state government before they can call off the strike. These demands include the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, promotion arrears, and the implementation of the new national minimum wage. The union is also demanding the establishment of a pension contributory scheme, the reconstitution of the university's governing council, and the payment of earned administrative allowances.

The strike action has brought academic activities, including exams, to a grinding halt, affecting thousands of students and staff alike. The university's management has yet to officially respond to the strike, but sources close to the institution have indicated that they are working to resolve the issues raised by the NASU.

The NASU has assured students and parents that the strike is not intended to disrupt academic activities but is rather a necessary measure to press home their demands. The union has also appealed to the state government and the university management to take immediate action to address their demands and prevent further disruptions to academic activities.

As the strike continues, concerns are growing about the potential impact on the academic calendar and the welfare of students and staff. The Taraba State Government and the university management must act quickly to resolve the issues raised by the NASU and prevent a prolonged disruption to academic activities.

The indefinite strike action by the NASU has brought attention to the plight of non-academic staff in Nigerian universities, who often face poor working conditions, delayed salaries, and lack of benefits. The strike is a testament to the growing frustration among university workers and the need for urgent reforms in the education sector.

In a statement, the NASU national leadership expressed solidarity with the Taraba State University branch and urged the state government and university management to take immediate action to address the union's demands. The statement also called on the federal government to intervene in the matter and ensure that the rights of university workers are protected.

As the strike enters its second week, students and parents are growing increasingly anxious about the fate of the academic session. The Taraba State Government and the university management must take immediate action to address the issues raised by the NASU and prevent a prolonged disruption to academic activities.

The NASU has vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, and it remains to be seen how long the strike will last. One thing is certain, however: the strike has brought attention to the plight of university workers and the need for urgent reforms in the education sector.

In the coming days, the Taraba State Government and the university management will be under pressure to find a solution to the crisis. The NASU will also be working to ensure that their demands are met and that the rights of university workers are protected.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the strike by the NASU has brought attention to the need for urgent reforms in the education sector, and it is imperative that the Taraba State Government and the university management take immediate action to address the issues raised by the union.

The strike has also highlighted the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving industrial disputes. The Taraba State Government and the university management must work with the NASU to find a solution to the crisis, rather than resorting to confrontation and intimidation.

In the end, the strike by the NASU is a call to action for the Taraba State Government and the university management to take immediate action to address the issues raised by the union. It is a reminder that the rights of university workers must be protected, and that the education sector must be reformed to ensure that it is fair, equitable, and just for all.