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Kofoworola Odozi The recent deaths of three lecturers from Taraba State University have sparked outrage and grief within the academic community, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the institution (ASUU-TSU) blaming the state government’s persistent neglect of their welfare.
In a statement by the union’s chairman, Dr. Mbave Joshua Garba, the lecturers’ passing has been described as a devastating consequence of unresolved welfare issues that have plagued the university for years.
“The plight of our members has reached an unbearable level. We endure the pain of an absent pension scheme, withheld Earned Academic Allowances, unresolved salary backlogs, and the neglect of critical welfare packages,” Dr. Garba stated.
The deceased—Professor Akporido Samuel, Dr. Kiliobas Sha’a, and Mallam Ibrahim Saleh Bali—reportedly passed away within 48 hours. These losses, according to ASUU-TSU, are emblematic of the toll the prolonged welfare crisis is taking on the university’s academic staff.
“These individuals dedicated their lives to education and intellectual development. Their untimely deaths are a wake-up call. Who will be next if this neglect continues? Is this the future we deserve?” Dr. Garba lamented.
The union is demanding immediate government intervention to address their grievances, emphasizing that the sacrifices of their fallen colleagues must not be in vain.
ASUU-TSU’s statement further called on stakeholders to take decisive action to resolve the systemic issues at the university. “This tragedy must be a catalyst for change. Enough is enough,” Dr. Garba declared.
The deaths have cast a shadow over the institution, with widespread calls for the Taraba State government to prioritize the welfare of academic staff. Stakeholders argue that immediate and effective action is necessary to prevent further tragedies and restore dignity to the teaching profession in the state.
For years, Taraba State University has grappled with unresolved demands from its academic staff, including backlogs of unpaid salaries and the absence of key welfare provisions. The lecturers’ deaths now underscore the human cost of this prolonged neglect, leaving many to wonder how long the crisis will persist before meaningful change is achieved.
