Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has pleaded with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Gombe State University branch, to abandon plans to go on strike.
Yahaya, who was represented by the State’s Secretary to Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, made the request on Thursday during a visit to Gombe State Government House by an ASUU National Executive Council delegation.
Our correspondent claims that the government has pledged to pay Earned Academic Allowance demands and others with N947,669,909.13 million by Monday.
According to the governor, once the council meets by Monday, the strike matter will be addressed and hastened, and if nothing happens beyond that time, the union will be able to proceed with its preparations.
Yahaya said, “By Monday upon State Executive Council’s meeting N947,669,909.13 million will be approved to take care of Earned Academic Allowance; excess workload, responsibility allowances, postgraduates study grant as well as outstanding promotion arrears for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“What I’m saying is that ASUU should be patient. The question of going on strike now like the Convener pointed out is not going to solve any problem, ” he said.
Speaking earlier, Professor Daniel Gongula, who led the NEC visit, praised the governor for prioritizing education while emphasizing the timing of government promises.
Gongula stated, “We will submit our report to ASUU’s principal officers.” “We need to be convinced.”
He pointed out that other states have implemented minimum wages without consulting the National Minimum Wage table, and that lecturers, like other workers, operate in the same market.
