ASUU members appeal to Gov Kefas to setup pension scheme for staffs

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.

Alex Obichie
Alex Obichie
Alex Obichie is an Ardent Sustainability Enthusiast, advocate for the Waste-2-Wealth Initiative, and Ingenious Politician, he uses articles to promote and sensitize the public about matters surrounding the environment, political systems and ways to benefit & support sustsinable global development.

Popular Related

House of rep to review 2024 budget proposal

A review of the 2024 projected budget has been requested by the House of Representatives due to the sharp decline in the value of...

Naval chief extends operation against oil thieves by 90 days

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days. The operation was launched on...

Army Chief Lagbaja has not resigned – Spokesman

The Nigerian Army has firmly refuted that Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja,  the Chief of Army Staff has resigned. According to the new gathered online had...

Retired Delta fire service officer allegedly rapes 12-yr-old girl 

A retired fire service officer in Delta State, Okonjie Awulo, has allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of...

Gunmen kill GUO bus driver, kidnap passengers, abandon 3-yr girl

Some unknown gunmen reportedly attack GUO motors shuttling passengers from Lagos to the South-East and kidnapped all passengers along the Ikare-Akoko Road of the...

How armed men rob motorists in Lagos traffic gridlock

A motorist, Samson Olanrewaju, has narrated how he was attacked and robbed of his belongings by armed men in Lagos traffic gridlock. The victim in...

NLC to include sanctions against defaulting governors for new minimum wage implementation

On Sunday, the Nigeria Labour Congress made it clear that it would push for the addition of a clause that would impose sanctions on...

UCH doctors suspend night shift, begin strike on Tuesday

The University College Hospital disclosed that it has an outstanding debt of N495m being owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, which has led...

Newly promoted officers decorated and urged to instill discipline by Rivers CP

78 officers have been decorated and elevated to the rank of Superintendents of Police by Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu and his...

Woman arrested for throwing five-month-old daughter into river

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old woman, Olubunmi Ajayi for attempting to drown her five-month-old baby, Imole Anifowose, in RSS River,...