ASUU Begins indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University branch (ASUU-BSU), has commenced an indefinite strike to address long-standing issues concerning better conditions of service for its members.

The decision to embark on the strike follows the failure of the Benue State University (BSU) Administration to meet the demands of the union despite previous agreements.

In a joint statement issued by the Branch chairman, Comrade Kwaghfan Tarnongo, and Secretary, Terrumun Gajir, the union announced the commencement of a “total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike” after obtaining approval from the National body.

The union highlighted the refusal of the BSU Administration to address the welfare concerns of its members despite previous engagements.

It emphasized a tripartite agreement reached in January 2023, involving the Benue State Government, BSU Administration, and Governing Council, which aimed to address issues related to promotion and annual increment through increased funding.

ASUU-BSU stated that the unresolved issues that prompted the current strike include the implementation and payment of accrued arrears of 2021, 2022, and 2023 promotions, payment of annual incremental step arrears, April 2023 salary arrears, shortfall in the salaries of staff in the College of Health Sciences, payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), payment of Sundry allowances (PG, GST, EPS, SANDWICH), and the non-enrollment/implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHTS), among others.

The union urged students, the Benue public, and BSU stakeholders to advocate for the conclusive resolution of the welfare concerns raised by the union, stating that the current strike is a result of the administration’s indifference to the legitimate entitlements of academic staff at the university.

If you liked this article or have a question, leave a comment below. You can also follow our updates via WhatsApp by clicking this Link.