Taraba State University: A Look at Challenges and Initiatives
Taraba State University (TSU) stands as the third institution among five universities established and funded by the Taraba State Government. Other notable institutions in the region include the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery in Jalingo, Taraba State Polytechnic in Suntai, the College of Agriculture and Health Sciences in Jalingo, and the School of Health in Takum.
Founded in 2008, TSU has emerged as one of the most expensive educational institutions in the state, gradually receiving accreditation for various programs and evolving into a full-time university. Its graduates have made significant strides in diverse fields, with some returning to contribute to the institution’s development.
Governor Cefas’ Challenges and Educational Reforms
Upon taking office in 2023, Governor Agbu Kefas Cefas faced a barrage of challenges, including unpaid salaries, issues surrounding staff promotions, and unresolved pensions and gratuity for both teaching and non-teaching staff. Addressing these pressing matters, Cefas prioritized education by implementing a policy of free schooling at primary and secondary levels across the state.
As part of his educational reform, the governor significantly reduced tuition fees by 50% at all higher education institutions, including TSU. This decision, while aimed at making education more accessible, also removed a primary revenue source for the university.
Management of Financial Pressures
Amidst the ongoing financial difficulties faced by the state government, Cefas established a system to ensure periodic promotions and the clearing of promotion arrears for university staff. Additionally, over N2 billion has been allocated for the renovation of hostels such as Zenith, JJT, Male, Agric, and Prelimus, alongside the construction of new facilities like the Okowa Women’s Hostel and an auditorium with a capacity of 700.
In a shift from the previous revenue-sharing model, which allocated 70% of funding to the university and 30% to the government, Cefas has assumed full responsibility for staff salary payments. The introduction of a new minimum wage in December 2024 escalated TSU’s monthly salary obligations from approximately 308.4 million naira to over 637 million naira.
Shifting Financial Responsibilities
As of January 2026, the Taraba State Government has accepted the responsibility of paying honoraria and pensions for university employees. To streamline this process, all staff benefits are now submitted to the Office of the Director of Services, Facilities, and Records for processing. The issue of unpaid salary arrears has been referred to the state legislature for necessary legal amendments.
Governor Cefas inherited substantial salary arrears amounting to about 1 billion naira. To address this, he allocated 1 billion naira of public funds, leaving an outstanding balance of nearly 865 million naira. Additionally, the administration contends with an inherited debt concerning academic and administrative allowances, which totaled over 2.68 billion naira, of which 430 million naira has been settled.
Ongoing Financial Strategy
On March 12, 2026, the state government sanctioned the payment of outstanding financial obligations and instructed the release of initial funds in March. The total outstanding amount reached over 2.61 billion naira, with plans to release 100 million naira monthly until the sum is fully disbursed. In support of the university’s operational needs, 250 million naira was approved for TSU for various academic certifications, alongside an allocation for the convocation of all tertiary institutions.
