Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has taken decisive steps to resolve the ongoing strike at Gombe State University by forming a negotiation team comprised of several key officials. The strike, involving multiple unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, the Non-Academic Staff Union, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, has significantly disrupted academic activities, leaving students in limbo. At the inauguration event held at the Government House, Yahaya conveyed his deep concerns regarding the impact of the strike on students and the broader educational framework within the state, urging the negotiation team to work diligently and swiftly towards effective resolution. He underscored the administration’s commitment to prioritizing education and emphasized that all necessary measures would be taken to facilitate the return of students to their classes.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the state’s commitment to its educational sector, noting that his administration has consistently increased monthly subventions to Gombe State University since he took office in 2019. He specified that the university currently receives over N200 million each month, reflecting the government’s ongoing investment in higher education. Addressing the issue of Earned Academic Allowances, Yahaya acknowledged that this challenge was inherited from previous administrations. Upon his assumption of office, he noted a backlog of over N1.025 billion owed to university staff, and he has recently approved over N265 million to address some of these financial obligations. This initiative illustrates his administration’s proactive measures aimed at mitigating the ramifications of past financial mismanagement and ensuring staff satisfaction within the university.
In a move signalling his dedication to maintaining affordable access to education, Governor Yahaya rejected a proposal to increase university registration fees, which had been a measure adopted by other states. He justified his decision by referencing the challenging economic climate, asserting the need for education to be accessible, especially during difficult times. This stance aligns with his administration’s broader educational objectives, reinforcing the belief that every citizen should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without being burdened by excessive fees. By prioritizing affordability, Yahaya aims to encourage continued enrollment and accessibility for all aspiring students in the state.
The establishment of an Endowment Fund, which Yahaya intended to launch before the strike, was also discussed during the team’s inauguration. This fund is designed to address some of the unions’ grievances and demonstrates the governor’s commitment to bolstering the university’s financial resources. Prominent philanthropists from across the nation have pledged their support, signaling positive collaboration between private and public sectors to enhance educational funding. In his appeal to the unions, Yahaya expressed a desire for mutual understanding and recognition of the current economic realities, assuring them of the government’s dedication to improving the conditions of both the university and its staff.
Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, who is chairing the negotiation team, conveyed the administration’s commitment to finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the strike. By emphasizing the need for cooperation between the government and the unions, Jatau aims to foster a collaborative atmosphere conducive to productive discussions. He reiterated the government’s understanding of the importance of the unions’ demands and conveyed readiness for fruitful negotiations that benefit both the university staff and the institution itself. The ultimate goal articulated by the deputy governor is to resolve immediate issues while also establishing a framework that ensures long-term stability at Gombe State University.
The negotiation committee comprises a diverse array of stakeholders, including key government officials such as the Secretary to the Government, the Attorney-General, and several commissioners across different sectors, demonstrating a united front in addressing the educational crisis. This comprehensive representation reflects a strategic approach to tackling the underlying issues that led to the strike, emphasizing the need for collective engagement to foster stability within the university system. By assembling such a robust team, Yahaya’s administration aims not only to resolve the current disruptions but to lay a strong foundation for future interactions between the government and educational unions, ultimately aimed at improving Gombe State’s educational landscape and ensuring a better experience for students and staff alike.
