By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, Taraba State Chapter has successfully elect and sworn in new state executives into various positions.
The election held on Friday 12th June 2026, at the ASUSS Temporary State Secretariat in Jalingo. Delegates from all 16 LGAs and Yangtu Development Area gathered peacefully to exercise their voting rights. The process was conducted and supervised by the Electoral Committee and closely monitored by representatives of the ASUSS National Executives.
At the swearing-in ceremony which took place on Saturday, a day after delegates elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.
The transition marks a turning point for the union as it positions itself for stronger advocacy, better service delivery, and renewed commitment to the welfare of secondary school teachers across the state. The emergence of this new leadership team comes at a critical time when ASUSS members are demanding more visible impact and proactive representation.
In his remarks, the outgoing State Chairman, Comrade Sule Abasu appreciated members for their support during his tenure and request them to extend same to the new Exco.
“God gives power to whom he wants at his wish.
He urge the incoming Exco not to crash the Union in the state.
“If they fail, I will not be happy and my spirit will fight them back. I want to call on Teachers to continue the struggle until they reach the promise land.
He urge members to continue to pray for the new Exco, adding that the task before them is not easy and therefore need their prayers for them to succeed.
Comrade Abasu commend the efforts of the electoral committee, “It has not been easy, you did well – he said.
He expressed gratitude to God and members of the union for the opportunity to serve them over the years.
Reflecting on his 22-year journey in union leadership, Abasu recalled the challenges and sacrifices made by the founding members to establish and sustain the organisation. He urged the new leadership to remain committed to protecting the achievements of the union and ensuring its continued growth.
“I want to challenge the new leaders who are being sworn in today. They must not allow this union to collapse in Taraba State. We worked tirelessly to build it, and it is now their responsibility to sustain and strengthen it,” he said.
He advised the new executives to see themselves as servants of the members and called on those who were unsuccessful in the election to support the new leadership. According to him, every election produces winners and losers, but the overall interest of the union should remain paramount.
The outgoing Chairman highlighted the union’s achievements in members’ welfare, particularly through its cooperative society, which he described as one of the strongest and most successful in the state.
He urged the incoming leadership to maintain the momentum and continue implementing programmes that would improve the welfare and professional development of members
The election of the new executives became necessary following the exit of the immediate past state chairman, Comrade Sule Abasu, alongside several other executive members. Their exit left many strategic positions vacant, creating gaps in leadership.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected state Chairman, Comrade Tanko Danjuma said that the significance of having committed union leaders to run ASUSS cannot be overemphasized.
He appreciated God and members for the opportunity to serve and expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing chairman for his commitment and sacrifices toward the growth of the union.
He describing Comrade Abasu as his mentor, he credited much of the union’s progress and achievements in the state to the former chairman’s leadership and dedication.
He wished his predecessor success in his future endeavours and pledged to build on the foundation already laid for the advancement of the union.
Comrade Tanko Danjuma assured members that he would uphold the honour and dignity of ASUSS and strictly adhere to the provisions of the union’s constitution in the discharge of his duties.
He called on the newly elected executive members and the entire membership to work together in moving the union to greater heights.
“Unions are not just structures; they are vehicles for collective bargaining, welfare protection, and professional development.
“With elected leaders in place, ASUSS now has a team that can negotiate, mobilize members, defend rights, and ensure that the union remains focused on its core mandate.
“Most significantly, teachers’ welfare will take center stage. Members expect improved handling of promotions, prompt payment of entitlements, medical and retirement support, and stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education.
“With unity of purpose and accountable leadership, this new phase of ASUSS is set to reposition the union as the true home and defender of secondary school teachers in Taraba State.
Those emerged are,
Comrade Tanko Danjuma – Chairman, Comrade Samuel Kanji – Deputy Chairman, Comrade Dr. Kazon Ishaku – Secretary, Comrade Ezekiel Christopher – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Joan Adams – Treasurer, Comrade Ardo Ali Jibo – Financial Secretary. Others are Comrade Ande Yaro Danfulani – Social Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Dauda – PRO, Comrade Folajimi Raphael Olanipekun – Auditor 1, Glory Garpiya – Auditor 2, Comrade Rabiu Usman – Welfare Secretary, Comrade Robert Moses – Chairman Northern Zone, Comrade Viking Dodo – Chairman Southern Zone, Comrade Nonso Ali Chairman – Central Zone, while Comrade Felisha David as Women Leader
The new executive, drawn from different local governments and diverse backgrounds, is expected to transform ASUSS Taraba by bringing development in all ramifications.
Strong leaders understand the peculiar challenges of secondary school teachers from promotion delays and unpaid allowances to poor working conditions—and they have the mandate to engage government and stakeholders on these issues.
Goodwill messages were taking from various sister unions which includes,
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria TRCN. The state Coordinator, Targa Zacharia, congratulated the new Exco and wish them successfull tenure.
He appreciated the outgoing State Chairman Comrade Sule Abasu for his focus and commitment in ensuring that the Union grows in the state.
“He have done a lot for this Union to move forward in the state and I pray that the spirit will continue with the new Exco to move the Union forward.
“ASUSS have been a partner to the TRCN and have been working together and today it is leading in the North East. Taraba State is first in the Zone, I pray for the incoming Exco to do better.
He appreciated the Union for the role play on his official vehicle.
“If not for the intervention of the Union, my official vehicle could have been allocated to Gombe State.
“The Solar power in my office today is the hand work of ASUSS – he said.
On his part, state Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Abubakar Sajo commend the leadership of the Union for following due process in filling in the vacant spaces.
“The essence of Trade Union is for the welfare of its members. I want to advise the new Exco to emulate the former leadership – he said.
Giving the brief history of the Union, the newly elected Secretary Comrade Dr. Kazon Ishaku, said that the Union started in Ogun State with the main purpose of cartering for Secondary School Teachers which was formerly under the Nigerian Union of Teachers NUT.
“Secondary School Teachers saw that they are just like Orphans, so they decided to form the Union. NUT was mainly Primary School Teachers and not much of Secondary Schools.
“The main purpose of the Union is to foster Unity amongst Secondary Schools Teachers – he said.
The Electoral Committee Members includes,
Mr. Ande Mamman Umaru – Chairman, Mr. Safiyanu, Umar – Secretary and Mr. Asaaaga Terhemen – Member
It should be recalled that ASUSS constitution provides that elections can only be conducted after the Federal Ministry of Labour grants a certificate of registration.
