The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University (TSU) has announced an indefinite strike starting October 12, 2026, due to the Taraba State Government's failure to meet its demands regarding staff remuneration and outstanding salary arrears.

The union's chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, stated that the strike is a response to the government's ongoing delays in fulfilling its commitments to university staff. Key demands include the immediate implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU remuneration agreement and the payment of all salary arrears owed from January 2026 to the present.

In a statement, Mbave expressed disappointment over the lack of progress despite the union's patience and commitment to dialogue since February 2026. He noted that the union had previously suspended a planned strike following a request from the government for more time to address the issues. This request was made through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, with the aim of maintaining industrial harmony.

The establishment of a verification committee was one of the outcomes of the discussions, tasked with assessing the existing salary structure and the implementation status of the remuneration agreement across the North-East region. The committee completed its work and submitted a report on September 24, 2026. However, the union claims that the government has failed to act on the committee's findings, prompting the decision to strike.

ASUU-TSU emphasized that the strike should not be viewed as a refusal to engage in dialogue. The union remains open to constructive discussions with the government, provided that these interactions are sincere and aimed at resolving the dispute effectively. The statement highlighted the importance of the government adhering to previously agreed processes and taking immediate action to implement the remuneration framework and settle outstanding salary arrears.

The union called on the public to understand that its demands are focused on ensuring fairness and dignity for university workers, as well as upholding agreements made in good faith. The ongoing strike reflects the broader challenges faced by academic staff in Nigeria, as they advocate for their rights and seek to improve their working conditions.