The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) – Taraba State University (TSU) Chapter – has refuted a circulating podcast that alleged TSU to be the top‑earning university in Nigeria.

In a press release dated 14 October 2026, signed by the ASUU‑TSU Chairperson, Dr. Garba Mbave Joshua, on behalf of the ASUU‑TSU Congress, the union described the allegation as false, misleading and lacking any verifiable documentation. The statement highlighted that the remark reveals the author’s ignorance and a disregard for the factual diligence required when discussing issues that affect both academic and non‑academic personnel.

The union affirmed that it will not allow such unsubstantiated statements to shape public perception and proceeded to issue the following clarifications:

1. Findings of the Taraba State Government's Fact‑Finding Team

The union cited the report produced by the Taraba State Government’s fact‑finding team, officially presented on 24 September 2026. Titled “Report on the Implementation of Consolidated Academic/Teaching Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non‑Teaching Allowance (CONTIA) in Gombe State University, Sa’adu Zungur University (Bauchi State), Yobe State University (Damaturu), and Adamawa State University (Mubi),” the document indicated that these institutions had fully applied the 2025 Federal Government‑ASUU Agreement. Consequently, according to the government’s own findings, staff at those universities receive higher remuneration than their counterparts at Taraba State University, Jalingo.

2. Comparative Salary Payment Analysis From Universities in Other States

The union presented a side‑by‑side comparison of salary scales drawn from the respective institutions to illustrate how TSU’s pay structure measures up against other state universities outside the North‑East zone:

• Graduate Assistant, CONUASS 01, Step 6 at TSU receives N237,331.33; the same position at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt receives N85.
• Professor, CONUASS 07, Step 10 at TSU earns N1,002,801.94; at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt the figure is N3,355,231.10.
• Professor, CONUASS 07, Step 7 at TSU draws N984,806.69; Benue State University offers N1,252,419.90 for the same rank.
• Graduate Assistant, CONUASS 01, Step 6 at TSU is paid N237,331.33; Delta State University, Abraka pays N503,574.00 for that grade.
• Professor, CONUASS 07, Step 10 at TSU receives N1,002,801.94; Delta State University, Abraka’s payout stands at N1,667,280.00.

These figures, the union argued, directly contradict the claim that TSU is the highest‑paying university in the nation.

3. Position of Taraba State University Staff

In contrast, the union noted that the 30 % National Minimum Wage and the 25 %/35 % wage award for Nigerian universities were never implemented at TSU, and no arrears were settled. While the later 70 % National Minimum Wage—built on the earlier adjustments—was eventually applied, TSU staff voluntarily forfeited the accumulated arrears to preserve industrial harmony. Other northern states, such as Bauchi, were pioneers in adopting the 30 % National Minimum Wage, the 25 %/35 % university wage award, the 70 % National Minimum Wage, and CATA, doing so without awaiting directives from other states or forming additional committees.

4. Demands and Conclusion

The union therefore calls for two immediate actions:

• The public and media are urged to dismiss the inaccurate claims and verify any salary‑related data against official records.
• Full and swift implementation of the 2025 Federal Government‑ASUU Agreement at Taraba State University, together with the settlement of all outstanding arrears.

The ASUU‑TSU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its members and to the stability of the university system. It pledged to continue constructive engagement with the government and all relevant stakeholders, while insisting that misinformation will be challenged and corrected.