Taraba State University SSANU Suspends Strike Action

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Taraba State University has lifted its indefinite strike and instructed all members to return to work immediately following a satisfactory tripartite meeting with the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the University Management.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Taraba State University has lifted its indefinite strike and instructed all members to return to work immediately following a satisfactory tripartite meeting with the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the University Management.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Taraba State University has officially called off its indefinite strike.

The union has instructed all members to return to work without delay.

In a statement released following an emergency congress, signed by Chairperson Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka and Secretary Comrade Mamki Joshua Atein, the decision was made after a thorough review of a Memorandum of Action (MoA) finalized during a tripartite meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2025, which included representatives from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the University Management, and SSANU.

The union expressed gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Tertiary Education in Taraba State, and the University Management for their positive responses to the union’s demands, which had led to the strike that commenced on December 9, 2024.

“After carefully examining the details of the MoA from the recent tripartite meeting, we conclude that our indefinite strike action is now suspended, effective immediately. All members are requested to resume duty without delay.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the support of Governor Agbu Kefas, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Tertiary Education, and the University Management for addressing our concerns during the strike, which began on December 9, 2024.

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Agreements Reached:
Following an in-depth review of the issues discussed during multiple meetings with the University Management and the Taraba State Government, the following agreements were reached:

1. Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions:
   The University Management will implement the Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions for Senior Non-Academic Staff, as approved by the Council in 2020, in the ongoing 2023/2024 promotion exercise.
2. Pension and Gratuity:
   The Taraba State Government has approved the State-defined Pension Scheme for Taraba State University staff, ensuring timely payment of benefits to deceased and retired staff and their families.
3. Balance of Promotion Arrears (2016-2020):
   The University Management and the State Government have committed to clearing the outstanding promotion arrears from 2016 to 2020 once Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) from school fees is available, ahead of the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic session.
4. Outstanding Salaries/Allowances:
   SSANU’s Executive Committee will collaborate with the Government and University Management to establish a plan for settling outstanding salary arrears by the first week of February 2025.
5. Earned Administrative Allowances (EAA):
   SSANU’s Executive Committee will also develop a strategy with the Government and University Management to address the remaining 90% of the total earned administrative allowances by the first week of February 2025.
6. Implementation of the National Minimum Wage:
   The University Management and State Government have agreed to continue paying the N70,000 National Minimum Wage of 2024, along with necessary allowances as provided from November 2024 to December 2024.
7. Protection Against Victimization:
   No SSANU-TSU Branch member will face victimization, directly or indirectly, for their participation in the strike.
8. Violation of the MoA:
   Should there be any breach of this agreement by Taraba State University or the State Government, the union will respond according to its constitutional provisions and applicable laws.

“By the consensus reached, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Taraba State University Branch, convened its Emergency Congress on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to announce the immediate suspension of the indefinite strike action. All members are directed to resume work immediately,” concluded the communiqué.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE