By Abubakar Hassan
The Gombe State Government has approved the release of N682 million to settle outstanding Academic Earned Allowances for academic staff at Gombe State University (GSU) as part if measure taken by the state government to meet the demands of the university’s unions and pave the way for the swift reopening of the institution.
The Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau disclossed this while addressing the press shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Gombe.
Jatau, who chairs the reconciliation committee between the government and the university unions, said the approval was part of the state’s efforts to ensure the timely resumption of academic activities.
He further explained that the government had previously disbursed N265 million to clear promotion arrears for university staff, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the standoff with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
“With this financial commitment, the government has now allocated nearly a billion naira to secure an agreement and facilitate the immediate reopening of the university,” Jatau said.
The Deputy Governor also reiterated the administration’s dedication to improving the education sector by honouring its commitments to staff and ensuring the smooth running of academic activities at GSU and other institutions in the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba-Alkali, stated that the Council had also approved N2.9 billion as counterpart funding for 12 donor agencies and development partners operating in Gombe State.
He explained that the approval aligns with agreements between the state government and these partners.
“You may be aware that Gombe State hosts several development partners who are implementing various projects and programmes, and annual counterpart funding is crucial for their continued operations.
“This approval underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and ensuring the ongoing execution of development projects and services across the state,” Baba-Alkali explained.
Also the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Forestry, Mohammed Fawu, disclosed that the Council had also approved over N500 million for water infrastructure at the newly constructed College of Nursing and Midwifery, which includes the construction of a 200-cubic-metre overhead water tank and water reticulation system to cater to the needs of the college’s students.