The management of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), has dismissed reports alleging that the institution owes its lecturers 12 months’ salary arrears, describing the claim as false and deliberately aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the university and the state government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the University Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, refuted the publication, which appeared on an online platform under the headline “Abia Varsity Lecturers Lament 12 Months Unpaid Salaries.”
“The attention of the Management of Abia State University has been drawn to a mischievous, malicious, and misleading online publication,” Elendu stated. “The allegation is untrue and a calculated attempt to blackmail the University Management and the State Government.”
He emphasized that since the inauguration of Dr. Alex Otti as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the university on May 29, 2023, there has been a consistent effort to ensure prompt payment of staff salaries.
“His Excellency, in his characteristic magnanimity and uncommon passion for education, also approved payment of 11 months’ arrears of salaries owed by the previous administration. Ten months of the arrears have so far been paid,” Elendu noted.
He clarified that those behind the allegations were individuals who received temporary appointments under the former administration in 2023, but were disengaged over a year ago due to irregularities in their employment status.
According to the registrar, the university management has assured that any of the disengaged individuals who applied and are found qualified will be duly considered in the ongoing recruitment exercise approved by the State Government.
“We remain committed to ensuring that justice is done during the recruitment process,” Elendu said, reaffirming the university’s dedication to transparency and due process.
