​Academic activities at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, came to a halt on Monday, October 12, 2026, after the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared a total and indefinite strike.
​The union announced the industrial action during a press conference held at the ASUU Secretariat on the university’s main campus in Jalingo.
Addressing journalists, the ASUU-TSU Branch Chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, stated that the decision followed the state government’s repeated failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU remuneration agreement and clear outstanding salary arrears accrued since January 2026.
​According to Dr. Mbave, the union had exercised restraint since February 2026 by engaging in ongoing dialogue with representatives of Governor Agbu Kefas’s administration.
A North-East regional verification committee, alongside a state tripartite committee, had submitted a final financial evaluation report on September 24, 2026. The report confirmed that TSU remains the only university among the 19 northern states yet to implement the updated pay framework.
​The union had previously issued a series of ultimatums, including a 14-day notice in August and a two-week grace period granted on September 30 at the request of the Head of Service to allow the government time to act.
However, the recent constitution of a fresh review committee by the state government was cited by the union as an unnecessary tactic to further delay implementation.
​”The Union has demonstrated considerable patience, responsibility, and commitment to dialogue throughout this process,” Dr. Mbave said. “This action becomes necessary to protect the dignity of university workers and uphold the sanctity of agreements reached in good faith.”
​As a result of the strike, all lectures, examinations, and administrative services across TSU campuses have been suspended until further notice. The union maintained that it remains open to genuine, timely engagement directed toward a immediate resolution.
