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The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved an additional ₦148.762 million in monthly subvention for Gombe State University (GSU) to avert an impending industrial action by the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The intervention follows a 14-day strike ultimatum issued by the ASUU-GSU branch on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, threatening a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears, wage adjustments, and non-implementation of agreements.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, confirmed the Governor’s approval, explaining that the 56 per cent subvention increase is designed to enable the university to implement the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA) under the 2025 Federal Government–ASUU Agreement.
Key Highlights Of Government’s Response
Enhanced Monthly Subvention: An additional ₦148.762 million monthly allocation for GSU, taking effect in October 2026.
Immediate CATA Processing: Directive issued to University Management to immediately begin processing outstanding CATA arrears.
Budgetary Provision: Funds for the new salary structure will be integrated into the 2026 Supplementary Budget during the Gombe State House of Assembly’s September sitting.
Phased Settlement of Other Arrears: Directives to address arrears of the 25% and 35% wage awards, new minimum wage adjustments, and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) in phases.
Education Trust Fund: The state has enacted the Gombe State Education Trust Fund law, set to launch in October 2026, to guarantee sustainable long-term financing for GSU and other state tertiary institutions
ASUU’s Demands And Ultimatum
The state government’s decision comes as a direct response to a resolution reached during an ASUU congress on August 11, following a visitation report from the union’s National Executive Council (NEC).
In a joint statement signed by ASUU-GSU Chairperson, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad, and Secretary, Dr. Aliyu Umar Shelleng, the union cited severe neglect and outlined several core grievances, such as the Federal Government’s non-implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN Agreement, failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage consequential adjustments and unpaid ₦30,000 minimum wage arrears spanning April 2019 to September 2024, 25%–35% wage award arrears from January 2023 to September 2024, and an unpaid Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) spanning the 2018/2019 through 2022/2023 academic sessions.
“The branch as directed by NEC resolved to commence a total, comprehensive and indefinite action to press home its demand upon the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum if the branch issues remained unaddressed,” the union warned.
Government Appeals For Industrial Harmony
In the press statement released by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at Government House, the administration urged ASUU to acknowledge the concrete steps taken and reconsider its planned strike action.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with university management, academic staff, and non-academic unions to maintain stability and prevent the disruption of academic activities at Gombe State University.
