ABSU denies owing lecturers 12 months salary

ABSU

From Okey Sampson

Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) has denied owing its lecturers 12 months’ arrears of salary, as recently reported in an online publication.

A statement by Dr Acho Elendu, Registrar of the University, said the allegation was not only untrue but a calculated attempt to blackmail the University Management and the State Government.

“The attention of the Management of Abia State University has been drawn to a mischievous, malicious, and misleading online publication, captioned ‘Abia Varsity Lecturers lament 12 months unpaid salaries’.

“The allegation is untrue and a calculated attempt to blackmail the University Management and the State Government.”

Elendu said it was on record that since the assumption of office as the 5th democratically elected Executive Governor of Abia State and Visitor to Abia State University, on Monday, May 29, 2023, Dr Alex Otti has ensured prompt and regular payment of salaries of verified staff of the University.

“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.

“The agitators, who were given temporary appointments by the previous Administration in 2023, were disengaged over a year ago due to irregularities in their appointments.”

Elendu disclosed that the management had promised that as many of them as applied and qualified would be considered alongside others in the ongoing recruitment exercise in the University, as approved by the State Government.

He promised that the management would ensure justice was done during the exercise.

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