ABSU Denies Owing Lecturers 22 Months’ Salaries, Labels Report As False

The management of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) has disowned social media reports claiming that lecturers of the university are owed 22 months of salary arrears under the current administration, describing the claims as mischievous and a total falsehood.

In a statement issued Thursday by the University Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, the management clarified that, contrary to the misleading report, staff have consistently received their salaries every month under Governor Alex Otti.

The statement further explained that the two former lecturers behind the report were on temporary appointments under the previous administration and have since been disengaged following irregularities in their engagement.

It also noted that, contrary to the mischievous report, Governor Otti had cleared the eleven months of salary arrears accumulated by the previous government.

The statement read: “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 of unpaid salaries’.”

“The allegation is untrue and a calculated attempt to blackmail the university management and the state government.”

“It is 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 29th May, 2023, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, OFR, 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 (10) 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.”

“Management had promised that as many of them that applied and qualified will be considered alongside others in the ongoing recruitment exercise in the university, as graciously approved by the State Government.”

“Management appeals for caution to ensure that justice is done.”