The government of Gombe state, has approved the sum of N682 million to settle outstanding Academic Earned Allowances (AEA) for lecturers at the State University (GSU),
The Trumpet that the move is geared towards ending the ongoing indefinite strike embarked in by the academic staff of the institution.
It would be recalled that the lecturers had halted academic activities since early September due to the alleged government’s delay in fulfilling the payment agreement.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after a State Executive Council meeting, the Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau confirmed the financial approval.
“With this financial commitment, the government has allocated nearly a billion naira to ensure an agreement is reached for the immediate reopening of the university,” Jatau said.
Jatau emphasized that the move is part of the government’s efforts to resume academic activities as soon as possible.
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He highlighted that the government had previously disbursed N265 million to clear promotion arrears for GSU staff, reflecting its determination to resolve the standoff with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In addition to the educational sector, the Gombe State Government approved N2.8 billion in counterpart funding to support 12 donor agencies and development partners.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, explained that the funds were in line with agreements between the state government and its partners to ensure continued progress on various development projects in the state.
Some of the recipient agencies include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (N300 million), Nigerian Solar for Health Projects (N998.5 million), and ACReSAL Project (N500 million), among others.
The commissioner announced that the approval highlights the state’s commitment to supporting key development initiatives that impact residents and communities.
