Gombe proposes N947m to ASUU to prevent strike

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has appealed to the Gombe State University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to postpone their planned strike action. Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, made this appeal on Thursday during a visit by the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) delegation to the Gombe State Government House.

During the visit, the government committed to addressing the Earned Academic Allowance and other demands with a proposed amount of N947,669,909.13, to be disbursed by Monday. Yahaya assured that if the State Executive Council convenes as scheduled, the issue of the strike will be addressed urgently. He emphasized that if no resolution is reached by the deadline, the union may then proceed with their planned strike.

The governor stated, “By Monday, following the State Executive Council’s meeting, we will approve N947,669,909.13 to cover Earned Academic Allowance, excess workload, responsibility allowances, postgraduate study grants, and outstanding promotion arrears for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. I urge ASUU to be patient, as striking at this moment will not resolve the issue.”

Earlier, Professor Daniel Gongula, who led the NEC delegation, praised the governor for his commitment to education and emphasized the importance of adhering to the government’s promises within the agreed timeframe. He indicated that the NEC would report back to ASUU’s principal officers once they are convinced of the government’s commitment. Gongula also noted that while some states have implemented minimum wage adjustments without following the National Minimum Wage table, lecturers and other workers are affected by the same economic conditions.