Days after rejecting a proposed resumption date amidst unresolved demands, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Taraba State University has announced the suspension of its indefinite strike action.
This decision follows a carefully reviewed Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed during a tripartite meeting on January 25, 2025, involving the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the university management, and SSANU.
As previously reported by *Eniola Educational Consultant*, SSANU had on January 21, 2025, rejected the university’s announced resumption date of January 27. The union cited unresolved critical issues, such as promotion arrears, earned administrative allowances, and pension benefits, as reasons for sustaining the strike, which began on December 9, 2024.
After intense negotiations, the union acknowledged significant progress in meeting their demands. In a statement signed by the SSANU Chairperson, Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, and Secretary, Comrade Mamki Joshua Atein, the following resolutions were highlighted:
1. Implementation of 2020 Guidelines for Promotions:
The university management agreed to apply the council-approved 2020 promotion guidelines for the 2023/2024 cycle, replacing outdated policies.
2. Pension and Gratuity Implementation:
The Taraba State Government committed to implementing the state-defined pension scheme for university staff, ensuring benefits for retired and deceased members are promptly settled.
3. Settlement of Promotion Arrears:
The state government and university management pledged to clear the 2016–2020 promotion arrears, using internally generated revenue (IGR) before the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic session.
4. Outstanding Allowances:
Modalities for settling earned administrative allowances and outstanding salaries will be finalized by early February 2025.
5.Sustained Minimum Wage Payments:
The university will continue paying the ₦70,000 new national minimum wage with peculiar allowances as implemented in November and December 2024.
In light of these resolutions, SSANU announced the suspension of its strike and directed all members to resume work immediately. The union also warned that any violation of the MoA would result in renewed industrial action.
SSANU extended its gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, and the university management for their roles in resolving the crisis.
“We acknowledge the efforts of all parties in addressing our grievances and ensuring that fairness and justice prevail,” the communiqué read.
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