News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (ASUU- JOSTUM) have declared on a total withdrawal of services following the continued delay in the payment of their March salaries.
The Chairperson of ASUU-JOSTUM, Terseer Abari, who disclosed this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, said the decision was reached during an emergency congress of the union held on April 8, 2026.
He said members, during the congress, deliberated extensively on the issue and resolved unanimously to begin an industrial action with immediate effect.
He said the decision aligns with the Pre-NDC National Executive Council (NEC) resolution of May 8, 2025, which empowers members to take action in situations where salary payments are delayed.
Abari said the congress noted that the persistent failure to pay the March salary had left members with no option but to withdraw their services until the issue is addressed.
The union also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the university management over its failure to fully implement the approved new salary structure for staff. They observed that the salary structure has already been implemented in several other universities, making the continued delay in their institution both unjustifiable and unacceptable.
In addition to the salary concerns, the congress called on the university administration to immediately settle all outstanding allowances owed to members warning that failure to address these financial obligations could lead to further industrial unrest within the institution.
Following the resolution, all members were directed to withdraw their services from the university with immediate effect. The directive means that academic and administrative activities involving the affected staff are expected to halt until the payment of the March salary is made.
To ensure strict adherence to the industrial action, the congress announced the constitution of a monitoring committee. The committee has been tasked with overseeing compliance and ensuring that members fully participate in the strike.
He urged members of the union to cooperate with the monitoring committee and avoid any actions that could undermine the effectiveness of the industrial action. The union leadership emphasized that unity among members would be crucial in pressing home their demands and urged members to refrain from any actions that may undermine the industrial action.
