Rhapsodi Affos Blog Reporter 


The Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Bako, announced on Friday that the university is conducting biometric verification for its staff to eliminate ghost workers. This initiative follows allegations by Governor Agbu Kefas during a media chat in Jalingo, where he claimed the presence of ghost workers in the university and stated that he would not pay them.


In an interaction with journalists, Prof. Bako emphasized that staff verification has become a priority for the university’s management to ensure accurate identification of both academic and non-academic staff. He explained that this effort aims to create a comprehensive database to enhance the university’s screening system.


The new system will capture both biometric data and the National Identification Number (NIN) of all staff members, moving away from the traditional method of file presentation screening. “We want to move away from the normal screening of file presentation. We are implementing biometric verification, linking it with staff National Identification Numbers (NIN), to have accurate data of staff in Taraba State University,” Prof. Bako stated.


He added that the verification process is expected to end the issue of ghost workers at the institution. 


Additionally, Prof. Bako highlighted the university management's efforts, along with the Taraba State government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to ensure a stable academic calendar. He confirmed that ASUU has decided not to go on strike, appreciating their understanding and the collaborative efforts to maintain stability.


“At the tripartite meeting between the management, ASUU, and the government representative, we discussed what is possible and what is not. The feasible actions were taken immediately, and the government gave assurances. ASUU has seen the commitment of the government to address their issues," he said.


Prof. Bako also mentioned that external support has been secured to address the university’s fencing requirements, demonstrating the commitment of both the university management and the Taraba State government to resolving ASUU’s demands.


He expressed his gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for his support towards ensuring the accreditation of courses and maintaining academic standards at the university.