Bayelsa Govt Approves ASUU Demands, Urge End To Strike

The Bayelsa State Government has approved the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for academic and non-academic staff of its three state-owned universities.

Hotnews reports that the Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) representing Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), at Government House, Yenagoa.

Dr. Akpe said the approval followed a resolution by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, adding that implementation of the allowances would increase the state’s monthly wage bill by over N500 million across the three universities.

He further disclosed that government would commence payment of the approved wage increase, amounting to about N2.25 billion, by October, while arrears of the 25–35 per cent wage award would be paid next year and captured in the 2027 budget.

The Deputy Governor reiterated Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with labour, saying the government had taken the necessary steps to address ASUU’s demands and prevent further disruption of academic activities.

He therefore appealed to the union to call off its ongoing indefinite strike in the interest of students and to strengthen the existing government-labour relationship.

Responding, former ASUU Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Stanley Ogoun, and NDU ASUU Chairperson, Dr. Oyinkepreye Bebeteidoh, commended the state government for its efforts.

Dr. Bebeteidoh said the three ASUU chapter chairpersons would immediately convene congresses to brief their members on the government’s latest offer, which he described as impressive.

He, however, said the union would follow due process in taking a final decision on suspending the industrial action.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 22, August, 2026