The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at Taraba State University (ASUU-TSU) has called for immediate government intervention following the tragic deaths of three university lecturers within just 48 hours. The union attributes the fatalities to years of neglect and unresolved grievances, specifically citing poor working conditions and unpaid allowances.

In a heartfelt statement shared on his Facebook page, ASUU-TSU Chairman Dr. Mbave Joshua Garba expressed profound sadness over the loss of Professor Akporido Samuel, Dr. Kiliobas Sha’a, and Mallam Ibrahim Saleh Bali. Garba believes the lecturers’ deaths were a direct result of longstanding welfare issues, including the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), delayed salary payments, and the absence of a functional pension system.

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“The situation has reached a breaking point,” Garba remarked, highlighting the toll these unresolved issues have taken on the health and well-being of the university’s staff. “We have lost three of our colleagues, and their deaths are a stark reminder of the harsh realities we face daily.”

Garba stressed that the deceased were not just esteemed educators but also beloved family members and mentors to many. He argued that the challenging conditions under which they worked played a role in their premature passing and emphasized the urgency for the government to address these issues promptly to prevent further loss of life.

“This is a call for action,” Garba stated. “Is this the future we want for those who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of our nation?”

The ASUU-TSU Chairman urged the government to honor the memory of the fallen lecturers by taking meaningful steps to improve the welfare of academic staff, ensuring that such tragic events do not occur again.