Benue varsity ASUU suspends strike

The Benue State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended the strike it recently embarked upon.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Kwaghfan Tarnongo and Terrumun Gajir, its chairman and secretary, respectively, issued on Wednesday in Makurdi.

Supreme News recalled that the academic staff of the university had, on Feb. 1, embarked on industrial action over the non-implementation of their promotions, payment of earned academic allowances (EAA), and annual step increments, among other demands.

The union, however, said that its decision to suspend the strike followed the intervention of Gov. Hyacinth Alia of the state, adding that the governor promised to address its demands.

“Congress was also briefed on the personal intervention of our governor and visitor to the university; he personally appealed and assured us that all the grievances would be resolved as soon as the strike was suspended.

“Congress therefore mandated the officials to go into a tripartite agreement. The agreement addresses the issues that led to the strike.

”The state government has assured us that the agreement will be fully implemented.

“Thus, congress resolved to suspend the strike owing to the intervention of the governor and the union believes in the ability of the governor to fully, expeditiously, and satisfactorily implement the agreement reached,”the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Management of the university has announced Thursday, March 14, as resumption date for academic activities.

Registrar of the institution, Dr Mfaga Modom, who announced the resumption date, also said that second semester examinations would commence between March 20 and April 17.

The registrar advised students of the university to immediately return to campus and commence preparation ahead of the slated examinations.