Academic activities at Gombe State University may face disruption as the school’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities raises fresh concerns over unpaid benefits.
The union has asked the Gombe State Government to quickly settle all outstanding entitlements owed to its members. It warned that failure to act could lead to industrial action that may affect students and the academic calendar.
The ASUU chairman in the university, Mustapha S. Shehu, said lecturers have waited too long for payments. He explained that the government has not cleared several allowances and wage arrears despite repeated appeals.
According to him, the unpaid benefits include Earned Academic Allowance covering 2021 to 2024, arrears from recent wage increases, and pending minimum wage adjustments. He added that lecturers are also expecting the full implementation of agreements reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.
The union said it has made several efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue, but those attempts have not produced results. As a result, members are now considering stronger actions if nothing changes soon.
ASUU also wants improved allowances for postgraduate supervision, teaching practice, industrial training, and other academic responsibilities. The union believes these payments are necessary to support quality teaching and research.
The group has now called on parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to step in and urge the government to act fast. It stressed that timely payment of lecturers’ entitlements will help prevent disruptions and protect students’ academic progress.
If the situation remains unresolved, the university could witness another round of academic unrest, adding to ongoing concerns about stability in Nigeria’s public universities.
