The Management of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu on Thursday said that that the report about its lecturers been owed 12 months salary is false and a complete lie.
Dr. Acho Elendu, Registrar of the university is a press statement captioned “ABSU Staff Enjoying Regular Payment Of Salaries Under His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti”, described the non payment story as mischievous, malicious and misleading publication.
The Registrar described the protesting voices about 12 months of unpaid salary as those who were given temporary appointments by previous administration in 2023, who were lawfully disengaged over a year ago, due to irregularities in their appointments.
He said that the story published in an online version of a notable newspaper (not New Telegraph) captioned “Abia Varsity Lecturers lament 12 months unpaid salaries”, is half baked, untrue and a calculated attempt to blackmail the University Management and the State Government.
The Registrar said that it is on record that since assumption of office as the 5th democratically elected Executive Governor of Abia State and Visitor to Abia State University, on 29th May, 2023, Governor 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 previous Administration. Ten (10) months of the arrears have so far been paid.
“The agitators who were given temporary appointments by 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.”
Elendu said that the management of the university uses the statement to appeal for caution to ensure that justice is done.
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