The management of Taraba State University has ordered the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies within the institution, citing rising cases of indiscipline and defiance among some student groups.

In a circular issued on Friday and signed by the Registrar, Dr Joseph U. Bibinu, the university expressed concern that the behaviour of certain associations had undermined peace, order, and academic integrity on campus.

“The University Management hereby orders the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies operating within the University. This suspension takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until further notice,” the statement read.

The directive prohibits any student group or individual from holding meetings, organising events, issuing statements, or conducting any activity under the name of a student association, either within or outside the campus.

The university further warned that any breach of the directive would be regarded as gross misconduct and would attract strict disciplinary action in line with existing regulations.

Dr Bibinu added that the institution would soon unveil a new framework for responsible student representation aimed at ensuring discipline, order, and effective engagement between management and the student body.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.Nigerian Independence merchandise

In a joint statement, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.

They emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.

The Ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.

“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled. The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.

They emphasised that the federal government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector. However, ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.

The Ministers reaffirmed that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system. They noted that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.Nigerian Independence merchandise

While reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.

They also reminded the union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, and the Federal Government will invoke it should ASUU proceed with the strike.Nigerian Independence merchandise

“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement warned.

The Ministers further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector. They noted that the administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.Nigerian Independence merchandise

“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement added.

“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the Ministers concluded.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike beginning from midnight of Monday, Oct. 13, over unmet demands.

ASUU President, Mr Chris Piwuna, announced this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

Piwuna said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet the union’s outstanding demands after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.

According to him, the ultimatum, issued on Sept. 28, was meant to give government time to address lingering issues that had persisted in spite of several negotiations.

“The issues include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries.

“Others are revitalisation and sustainable funding of public universities, payment of outstanding 25 per cent salary arrears, and promotion arrears spanning over four years,”he said.

He also listed the release of withheld third-party deductions and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, KSU, and FUTO as part of the unresolved issues.

Piwuna expressed disappointment that government’s response to the union’s demands had been provocative and inconsistent.

“The documents presented by the government’s renegotiating team were a total departure from the recommendations earlier submitted by the committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed,”he said.

He therefore appealed for the understanding of students, parents, and Nigerians, saying the action was to compel government to revitalise and reposition the university system.

“All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight, Monday, Oct. 13.

“The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive,” he said.