Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated a high-powered negotiation team to address the ongoing strike at the Gombe State University (GSU) which has disrupted academic activities for weeks.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the Government House, on Monday in Gombe, the Governor expressed deep concern over the impact of the strike on students, government and parents about the prolonged halt in academic activities.
Governor Yahaya accused the unions of insensitivity for not giving the Government notice before embarking on the strike.
He explained that his administration has constantly released ₦164 million naira monthly to the institution despite that they do not pay taxes correctly as when and due to the state government.
Yahaya appealed to the members of the Negotiation team to use their wealth of experience to resolve the strike because of the concern it has raised most especially when the National body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have given the Federal Government ultimatum to embark on strike if their demands are not met
WikkiTimes reports that ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) in the university have embarked on strike to press home their demands.
Governor added that, “Education is a priority for this administration, and we will do everything within our powers to ensure that the students return to class. This negotiation team has my full support to explore all avenues in resolving the pressing issues.”
He noted that his administration is investing heavily in all levels of education including primary and secondary education.
He explained that the issue of Earned Academic Allowances was an inherited challenge from the past administration which was over 1.025 billion naira in 2019.
Gov. Yahaya averred that he recently approved over 265 million naira in benefits for the university staff in his effort to address their grievances.
According to him, his administration deliberately rejected a proposal to raise students’ registration fees due to the challenging economic conditions in the country.
He appealed to the unions to recognize the economic challenges at hand, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improving the conditions of both the university and its staff.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who is the chairman of the Negotiation Team, assured all stakeholders of commitment to finding a lasting solution to the industrial action.
He called for cooperation from the unions, saying, “This administration understands the importance of your demands, and we are prepared to engage in fruitful negotiations that will benefit both the staff and the university.”
“Our goal is not only to resolve the immediate issues but also to establish a framework for long-term stability at GSU. We appeal to the unions to come to the table with an open mind so that we can reach an agreement that prioritizes the interests of our dear state.”
Members of the Manassah Jatau- led committee include the Secretary to the State Government who will serve as Secretary, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioners of Higher Education, Local Government and Community Development, Finance & Economic Development, of Education, Budget & Economic Planning, as well as Executive Chairperson, Gombe State Internal Revenue Services, State Auditor-General, Accountant-General of the State, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Gombe State, Deputy Chairman, ALGON and Permanent Secretary, Special Services & Political Affairs.