ASUU sends SOS to Taraba gov over N1.7bn unpaid allowances.

ASUU sends SOS to Taraba gov over N1.7bn unpaid allowances.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University chapter, on Thursday, appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to pay the N1.7 billion accumulated earned Academic and promotional allowances owed to staff of the university since 2014.

This is even as the Union lamented the prolonged delay in the payment of their withheld salaries, noting that with each day passing without the payment of these outstanding salaries, the financial strain on their members intensifies, pushing them further into distress and uncertainty.

Addressing a press conference at the ASUU house at the Taraba State University, the Chairperson of the Union, Dr. Garba Mbave, said the non-payment of promotion arrears and withheld salaries not only create financial strain for members but also erodes their morale and diminishes their trust in the fairness and integrity of the institution.

“These situations we have been subjected to have the potential to disrupt industrial harmony and compromise the productivity and effectiveness of our workforce.

“The prolonged delay in the payment of Earned Academic Allowance has created significant discontent and frustration among our members. The non-payment of these allowances not only undermines the commitment and dedication of our academic staff but also poses a threat to the overall industrial harmony within our educational institution.

“The accumulation of these unpaid allowances since 2014 has only exacerbated the grievances and discontent among our academic staff. We urge the government to take decisive action to address this pressing issue and prioritise the prompt payment of the outstanding Earned Academic Allowances and withheld salaries owed to our members.

“Without a pension scheme in place for members of staff, we are faced with the challenges of financial insecurity and uncertainty. This is an unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action.”

While commending the governor for the renovation of students’ hostels and slashing of fees for undergraduate students, the union urged the government to take decisive action on the issues of outstanding earned academic allowances, withheld salaries, promotional arrears, and construction of a parameter fence for the university.