The Abia State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over alleged discrepancies in salary payments, stating that many members did not receive their April and May salaries. Additionally, some staff who were paid reportedly faced deductions from their salaries.
Chidi Mbah and Victor Obisike, chairperson and secretary of ASUU Abia State University, disputed claims by the Abia State government and social media reports suggesting that all staff salaries had been cleared. They revealed that only a few staff members with salary accounts in commercial banks received their April salaries, and even fewer received their May salaries.
The union executives expressed concern that the irregular payments and deductions caused financial strain, panic, and uncertainty among affected staff members.
“Moreover, many of the staff who received either their April or May salary experienced unexplained deductions ranging from N8,000 to N53,000 from their salary at the source,” Mbah and Obisike stated.
They further highlighted that due to the staggered payment system, the union could not verify the status of check-off dues typically deducted at the source of payment. Additionally, ASUU pointed out that despite assurances from the government, 11 months of outstanding salary arrears remained unpaid.
The union, while expressing support for Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to reform Abia State University, cautioned against politicizing salary payment issues. They urged the state government to promptly address their grievances and ensure all outstanding salaries and arrears are paid in full without further delay.
“It is imperative that the government acknowledges the financial hardships faced by university staff and takes immediate action to ensure that all outstanding salaries, including the arrears, are paid promptly and in full,” ASUU emphasized.
The Abia State government has not yet responded to these allegations from ASUU.
