Over 1,000 staff members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, employed between 2019 and 2020, staged a massive protest over the non-payment of their salaries for five years, alleging that N1 billion allocated for personnel costs was misappropriated by the university management.
The outraged staff claimed that despite the allocation, they had remained unpaid, with some colleagues reportedly dying due to financial hardship caused by the prolonged delay.
Protesters Decry Hardship, Demand Immediate Payment
The protesting workers, expressing deep frustration, stated:
"We are shocked and disappointed that such a huge sum meant for our salaries was mismanaged. Several of our members have died due to this non-payment."
The protesters demanded immediate intervention from the federal government, insisting that they had faithfully carried out their duties but were being unfairly denied their wages.
University Management Denies Misappropriation Claims
Responding to the allegations, the University Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu, dismissed the claims of misappropriation, clarifying that the employment processes in 2019 and 2020 were incomplete due to a delay in capturing staff into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
"Those employment processes were conducted at the university level, and capturing was incomplete. The federal government directed that the process be finalized through the Head of Service, but that has yet to happen," Egwuatu explained.
He noted that, despite several appeals, only 120 staff members—100 academic and 20 non-academic—were approved for payment as late as 2023, leaving the majority of the affected staff without salaries.
Clarification on the N1 Billion Personnel Cost
Egwuatu further refuted claims that N1 billion allocated for personnel costs was meant for the unpaid staff, explaining that:
"The federal government clarified that the amount was intended to pay arrears for the 2025 full staff of the institution. Initially, we thought it was for the affected staff until this clarification was made."
Management Assures Staff of Resolution Efforts
Despite the crisis, Egwuatu reassured the affected staff that the university management is actively working to resolve the issue.
- Strong representations have been made to the federal government.
- Engagement with National Assembly members who have raised motions on the matter is ongoing.
- Continuous pressure is being applied to ensure that all affected staff are fully captured and paid.
"We are aware of their plight and will continue to push for the full capturing of all affected staff and their rightful payment," Egwuatu emphasized.
What’s Next?
With the staff growing increasingly impatient and the university management seeking federal intervention, all eyes are now on the government’s response to this pressing issue. Will the affected workers finally receive their salaries, or will the impasse continue?
For now, the fight for justice and accountability at UNIZIK is far from over.
