Over 1,000 UNIZIK staff members protest the alleged misappropriation of N1 billion meant for salaries, while the university management denies wrongdoing. Read more
Staff Demand Unpaid Wages Amidst Allegations of Funds Mismanagement
More than 1,000 staff members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, who were employed between 2019 and 2020, have taken to the streets in protest. They claim that N1 billion allocated for personnel costs has been misappropriated, leaving them without salaries for the past five years.
The protesters expressed frustration over the prolonged non-payment, stating that many of their colleagues had died due to financial hardship.
“We are devastated that such a substantial amount meant for our salaries has been mismanaged. The suffering has been unbearable, and several of our colleagues have lost their lives due to this injustice,” some protesters lamented.
University Management Responds to Allegations
In reaction to the protest, the university’s management denied any wrongdoing. According to the University Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu, only 120 staff members employed within that period had been fully captured in the payroll system.
Egwuatu clarified that the hiring processes in 2019 and 2020 occurred before the federal government implemented the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which complicated the salary payment process.
“These employment processes were conducted at the university level, and the federal government later directed that the payroll capturing be completed through the Head of Service. Unfortunately, this process has been delayed,” Egwuatu explained.
He further revealed that despite multiple applications, it was only in late 2023 that approval was granted for 120 staff members—100 academic and 20 non-academic—out of the over 1,000 affected.
Misinterpretation of the N1 Billion Allocation
Egwuatu also addressed the widespread belief that the N1 billion personnel cost was intended for the unpaid staff members.
“The federal government clarified that this amount was meant for paying arrears of the entire university workforce, not just the affected staff. Initially, we assumed it was for the unpaid employees, but that was a misunderstanding,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Egwuatu reassured the protesting staff that the university was actively working to resolve the issue. He noted that the institution had engaged both the federal government and the National Assembly, where motions have been raised to address the crisis.
“We understand their plight and remain committed to ensuring that all affected staff are fully captured and receive their rightful salaries,” Egwuatu assured.
Conclusion
The situation at UNIZIK highlights ongoing salary payment challenges within Nigeria’s public universities. While the institution’s management insists that no funds were misappropriated, the affected staff continue to demand justice. The resolution of this issue will depend on further intervention by the government and legislative bodies.
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