Residents of Taraba State have called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Taraba State University to embrace sustained dialogue with the government rather than resorting to industrial action, following the suspension of a week-long strike.

The appeal came on Wednesday shortly after lecturers called off the strike, allowing academic activities to resume at the institution. Many residents, speaking to The Guardian, commended the state government for its role in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy on campus.

They stressed that continuous engagement between authorities and university staff remains essential for addressing grievances without disrupting the academic calendar. According to them, stability in the institution is critical for students and the broader development of the state’s education sector.

Residents also pointed to ongoing reforms under the current administration, highlighting investments in infrastructure and student welfare. Key improvements cited include hostel renovations and reductions in tuition fees—extending to postgraduate programmes—which they say have made the university more affordable and competitive nationally.

They further referenced the reported release of over N3 billion for infrastructure and staff welfare as evidence of the government’s commitment to revitalising the institution.

One resident, Dr. Sanda Gilbert, urged lecturers to support ongoing reforms, noting that significant changes have been introduced since 2023. He called for collaboration between staff and government to move the university forward.

Similarly, Aliyu Ayuba noted that recent government interventions have contributed to the accreditation of several academic programmes, expressing optimism that stronger cooperation would accelerate institutional growth.

Providing further insight, the State Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, disclosed that billions of naira have been spent to sustain the university since the current administration took office. He revealed that over N3 billion had been approved to clear salary arrears owed to both academic and non-academic staff, with N200 million recently released and an additional N300 million approved to continue payments.

According to Jen, the administration inherited more than N4 billion in unpaid salaries, representing nearly two years of arrears, and had earlier released over N1 billion to address the backlog.
He also noted that the university’s monthly wage bill has risen significantly—from about N308 million to over N636 million—following the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage.

Despite this increase, he said the government has maintained consistent salary payments.Beyond salaries, the commissioner disclosed that over N2 billion has been invested in hostel renovations, alongside the construction of the Makowa Hostel to improve student accommodation. Additional approvals include over N250 million for programme accreditation and N161 million for the university’s convocation.

Jen reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institution and improving staff welfare, urging ASUU and other unions to maintain cooperation with the government to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.