By Smart Emmanuel
The Gombe State Government has approved the release of N682 million to clear outstanding Academic Earned Allowances (AEA) for academic staff of the Gombe State University (GSU).
The lecturers have been on an indefinite strike since early September over non-payment of the allowances, and state government’s stance of non-implementation of the agreement entered on payment of the amount.
“With this financial commitment, the government has allocated close to a billion dollars to ensure an agreement is reached for the immediate reopening of the university,” said the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, while briefing journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Manasseh Jatau, who also chairs the reconciliation committee between the government and university unions, stated that the approval is part of efforts to ensure that academic activities resume in earnest.
He added that the government had earlier disbursed N265 million to clear promotion arrears for university staff, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the standoff with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The Deputy Governor further emphasised the administration’s commitment to improving the education sector by fulfilling obligations to staff and ensuring smooth academic activities at the GSU and other institutions.
The Council also approved a total of N2.8 billion in counterpart funding for 12 donor agencies and development partners operating in Gombe State.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, said the approval was in line with agreements signed between the state government and the donor agencies and development partners.
According to him, “You may be aware that Gombe State hosts numerous development partners implementing various projects and programs, and annual counterpart funding is essential for their continued operation.”
“This approval demonstrates the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and ensuring continued execution of development projects and services across the state,” the commissioner explained.
He listed some of the agencies that received counterpart funding to include: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: N300 million, Nigerian Solar for Health Projects: N998,500 million, ACReSAL Project: N500 million; and Sustainable Power Supply in Nigeria (SPIN) Project: N500 million.
Others are: SURWASH Programme: N100 million, Nigeria for Women Project: N200 million, ARIN Project: N25 million, Amen Project: N30 million, Sassakawa Project: N30 million, GOMSACA: N40 million, IMPACTS: N25 million, L PRESS: N50 million, and UNPA: N50 million.
