Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has voiced deep concerns regarding the prolonged strike at Gombe State University (GSU), citing its detrimental effects on students and the broader educational system.
The strike, initiated by various unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has stalled academic activities at the institution.
During the inauguration of a 14-member investigative committee led by Deputy Governor Manasseh Jatau, Yahaya urged for an expedited resolution, emphasizing education as a key priority of his administration.
The committee, with Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Njodi, as its secretary, was tasked with exploring all avenues to settle the ongoing industrial action.
Governor Yahaya highlighted his administration’s financial efforts to support GSU, pointing to a steady increase in the university’s monthly subvention, now exceeding ₦200 million.
He also addressed the inherited ₦1 billion in unpaid academic allowances and approved ₦265 million for staff benefits as part of efforts to alleviate the backlog.
The lecturers are demanding the full implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage and arrears