The Ambrose Ali University (AAU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) revealed that they have lost more than 25 members due to non-payment of salaries spanning 26 months and unfavorable worker policies. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele, the union’s chairman at the Ekpoma branch, highlighted similar challenges faced by non-academic staff union members.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Onogbosele expressed deep concern over the dire financial situation faced by university employees. He warned that failure to address the current plight could lead to industrial unrest, unrest among workers, and a deteriorating university environment.
Onogbosele attributed the university’s financial woes to poor administration, citing the absence of a governing council or substantive primary executives since 2021. He emphasized that AAU is grappling with its worst funding crisis, evident in the selective payment of salaries and the complete withholding of salaries from numerous staff members for up to 26 months starting in January 2022. He also alleged that staff members were facing victimization, intimidation, and significant hardships.
He stated, “Since the current executive assumed office on August 3, 2021, we have sadly lost not less than 25 academic staff members due to the non-payment of salaries. Non-academic staff members have also suffered losses, but I cannot speak on their behalf.
“The claims by the Special Intervention Team/Government that the university staff are not owed any salaries are false. This assertion serves as a distraction from the harsh reality of suffering, hardship, and poverty experienced by the staff.
“This situation has tragically resulted in the deaths of numerous university workers, including professors, who lacked the means to care for themselves due to the non-payment of salaries.”