Abia State University, Uturu, Management Decision

The Abia State University, Uturu, has taken a significant step by suspending Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze, a lecturer in the Department of Economics. This decision was made due to the professor's comments on social media regarding the welfare and remuneration of lecturers at the university.

Statement from the University

The suspension was announced through a statement issued by the university's Deputy Registrar and Public Relations Officer, Chijioke Nwogu. According to the management, the action was taken because of social media posts allegedly made by Nwaeze, which were deemed detrimental to the university's interests and disrespectful to the Visitor of the institution.

Allegations Made by Nwaeze

Nwaeze had claimed that lecturers at Abia State University were among the lowest-paid university lecturers in Nigeria. He stated that academic staff were still being paid according to the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government salary structure, despite being taxed under the 2024 tax regime.

Nwaeze further alleged that the university had not implemented newer salary agreements, including the agreement approved in December 2025 and effective from January 1, 2026. He also claimed that some lecturers promoted between 2023 and 2026 were yet to receive salaries corresponding to their new ranks.

Other allegations made by Nwaeze included:

• Non-remittance of deducted ASUU dues
• Lecturers at the university had never received Earned Academic Allowances
• Outstanding cooperative deductions
• Significantly lower salaries for professors compared with their counterparts in federal and other state universities

Financial Difficulties Faced by Lecturers

Nwaeze highlighted the worsening financial difficulties faced by lecturers, claiming that many staff members were relying on personal savings, borrowing, rental income, and royalties from intellectual property to supplement their earnings and support their professional responsibilities.

Investigative Panel

The university stated that it had constituted an investigative panel to examine the matter. The suspension of Nwaeze took immediate effect and would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation.

Outcome of the Investigation

The allegations made by the professor and the university's response remain subject to the outcome of the investigation. The university's decision to suspend Nwaeze and the subsequent investigation are aimed at addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that the welfare and remuneration of lecturers at the university are adequately addressed.