The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University chapter has 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.
According to the academic staff union, there had been prolonged delay in the payment of their withheld salaries.
ASUU noted 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.
The Chairperson of ASUU, Taraba State University Chapter, Dr. Garba Mbave, made this known at a press conference held at the ASUU House of the Higher Institution on Thursday.
Dr. Mbave disclosed that 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.
He said: “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.
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“This is an unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action.”
The Chairperson, however, enjoined 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.
He also commended the governor for the renovation of students’ hostels and slashing of fees for undergraduate students.