The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Taraba State University in Jalingo has expressed concern to Dr. Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba state, about the future of its members who work for the state government but are not covered by any pension plans.

ASUU voiced concern that, if left unchecked, this insecurity will eventually harm its members and result in the loss of outstanding students to other universities.

Dr. Garba Joshua, the chairperson of Taraba Varsity ASUU, gave a speech on Thursday during a briefing in Jalingo, the state capital.

He cited the backlog of salary and the non-payment of earned academic allowance since 2014 as further issues that union members are concerned about.

According to him, “I address you today with grave concern regarding the absence of a pension scheme at Taraba State University.

“This critical issue demands immediate attention as it affects the welfare and livelihoods of our esteemed academic community. Of particular concern is the plight of the families of our deceased members.

“Without a pension scheme in place, these families are left to navigate the challenges of financial insecurity and uncertainty on their own.

“This is unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action. “The absence of a pension scheme not only fails to provide long-term security for our members but also undermines their sense of stability and confidence in their future.

“This lack of assurance can have detrimental effects on morale, productivity, and overall satisfaction within our organization.

“We strongly believe that implementing a robust pension scheme is essential not only for the well-being of our members but also for the sustainable growth and success of TSU in the long run.

“Such a scheme would not only demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our members but also attract and retain top talent, fostering a more positive and productive work environment.

“We kindly request the attention of His Excellency in addressing this pressing issue. “It is with deep concern that we bring to the public’s attention the excruciating pains and hardships that our members are currently enduring due to the prolonged delay in receiving their withheld salaries.

“As each day passes without the payment of these outstanding salaries, the financial strain on our members intensifies, pushing them further into distress and uncertainty.

“Furthermore, we must emphasize that the continual delay in salary disbursements has resulted in a significant loss of value for the money owed to our members.

“As inflation rates rise and the cost of living increases, the purchasing power of their salaries diminishes, exacerbating their financial struggles and undermining their ability to meet their basic needs.

“We implore the Visitor to Taraba State University to urgently address this critical issue and expedite the payment of the backlog of salaries owed to our members.

“It is also with great concern that we bring to your attention the prolonged delay in the payment of EAA, which 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 Earned Academic Allowances are an integral component of our members’ remuneration package, and their non-payment has caused undue financial hardship and uncertainty for those who have diligently earned these allowances over the years.

“Furthermore, the accumulation of these unpaid allowances since 2014 has only exacerbated the grievances and discontent among our academic staff.

“We urge government to take decisive action to address this pressing issue and prioritize the prompt payment of the outstanding Earned Academic Allowances owed to our members.”

In order to ensure the general wellbeing of the institution’s members, Dr. Joshua also urged the state government to promptly erect perimeter fencing around it and to resolve the backlog of unpaid promotion arrears.

Additionally, in order to protect the wellbeing and means of living of its members, he encouraged the governor to give these urgent matters first priority.