Gov Alia ends years of industrial crisis at Benue varsity, approves immediate implementation of union demands

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has recorded a major breakthrough in the education sector with the approval of the immediate implementation of key union demands at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, marking the end of a prolonged industrial crisis that has lingered since 2018.

The resolution followed successful negotiations between the state government team, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber, Esq., and representatives of the university management alongside the unions ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT.

The meeting resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at resolving long-standing welfare and salary issues affecting the university staff.

A letter dated October 31, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), outlined the measures approved by the governor. These include the full implementation of the newly approved minimum wage template and the immediate payment of minimum wage arrears from November 2023 to date.

It also directed the proper placement and payment of salaries for previously promoted staff beginning with the October 2025 payroll, as well as a commitment to clear all outstanding promotion arrears accumulated since 2018. In addition, the government reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the institution.

The university management, in a statement, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alia, the Visitor to the institution, for his swift intervention and dedication to improving staff welfare.

They described the governor’s action as a landmark decision that has not only resolved years of industrial unrest but also restored peace, confidence, and productivity within the university community.