Taraba State University Mourns Loss of Three Lecturers in Three Days

Taraba State University (TSU) is grieving the loss of three senior lecturers who passed away within a span of three days, leaving the academic community in shock.

The deceased are Prof. Akporido Samuel, a former Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, who reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday; Dr. Kiliobas Sha’a, a former Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, who died at home after battling high blood pressure; and Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Bali, who succumbed to a prolonged illness at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jalingo on Sunday morning.

The unexpected deaths have sparked fear and unease among both academic and non-academic staff at the institution.

Sources revealed that the late lecturers, alongside their colleagues, had been pressing for improved welfare and better salaries from the state government, but their demands had yet to be addressed.

Dr. Mbave Joshua, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), TSU chapter, expressed his sorrow over the losses. He highlighted the harsh working and living conditions faced by staff, citing financial hardships exacerbated by the rising cost of living.

The tragic events underscore the challenges confronting TSU staff and the urgent need for improved support and welfare for academic personnel.