Gov. Inuwa Yahaya has expressed concerns over the negative impact of the ongoing strike by lecturers in the Gombe State University (GSU).
Speaking at the inauguration of a 14-member investigative team to resolve the ongoing strike at the GSU, Yahaya said the action has negatively impacted on the students and educational systems in the state.
The team has the Deputy Governor, Mr Manasseh Jatau as Chairman while Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is the Secretary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the strike was embarked upon by the the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Yahaya emphasised the importance of finding a quick resolution, stating that education is a priority for his administration.
“We will do everything within our power to ensure students return to the classroom.
“This negotiation team has my full backing to explore all possible avenues to resolve the pressing issues.
“While our investment in education spans secondary and basic levels, we understand the critical importance of supporting the university’s smooth operation.
“Since 2019, we have steadily increased the monthly subvention, with the university now receiving over 200 million naira each month,” the governor said.
On Academic Allowances, which he inherited from the previous administration, Yahaya said that when he assumed office in 2019,, there was an accumulated one billion naira in unpaid allowances.
He outlined efforts made the state government toward reducing the backlog, including the recent approval of over N265 million for staff benefits.
The governor, who reiterated his commitment to education.
”We rejected a proposal by some GSU members to increase student registration fees, a step that other states have taken,” he said.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by families, he stressed the importance of maintaining affordable university education for Gombe residents.
He pointing out that other universities in the country charged three times the fees currently set by GSU.
The governor also explained that the Endowment Fund, which he had planned to launch before the strike, was designed to address some of the unions’ concerns.
He said several prominent philanthropists across the country have pledged contributions to the fund, which aims to complement government efforts to further the university’s development.
He urged the unions to consider the current economic challenges and reassured them of government’s commitment to improving conditions for both the university and its staff.
In his remarks, the deputy governor, affirmed the administration’s dedication to finding a lasting solution to the strike.
He called on the unions to cooperate with the team, saying, “This administration understands the importance of your demands, and we are ready to engage in meaningful negotiations that will benefit both the staff and the university.
“Our aim is not only to address the immediate issues but to establish a framework for long-term stability at GSU.
“We urge the unions to come to the table with an open mind so we can reach an agreement in the best interests of our state”.
NAN reports that the lecturers are demanding the implementation of the 2019 minimum wage of N30,000 and its arrears for non-academic staff.
Other issues are non implementation of 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary increments for staff of tertiary institutions, non payment of Accumulated Earned Allowance for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
They also said the state government did not pay the N35,000 palliative wage award to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the staff.
They alleged that inspite of meetings held with the government officials, their demands were not addressed.(NAN)
