UNIBEN Speaks On ASUU’s Allegation Of Half-Salary Payment

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has denied being part of the industrial action embarked upon by the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the claims of salary underpayment as misinformation and misinterpretation of facts.

ASUU, in a communique signed by its Chairman, Professor Enaruna Edosa, and Secretary, Dr Lucky Aimiyekagbon, had directed its members to withdraw their services over what it described as the payment of half salaries to academic staff.

The union announced “a total and indefinite withdrawal of services until the underpaid salaries are fully paid”.

ASUU also directed members to “stop teaching, supervising or attending Departmental Board, Faculty Board, Senate or other statutory meetings or involve in any academic or administrative activity during the period of this action.

But University Management denied the allegations that academic staff were paid half salaries in August 2026, saying it was a misunderstanding concerning a particular allowance.

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The Management said in a statement signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Benedicta Ehanire, that the confusion had been cleared.

“The Federal Government has paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August, 2026,” the PRO stated.

The University Management said that before publication, any allegation against the institution must be verified and added that the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is a public institution with a system already in place for the authentication of information.

“The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) has now been paid out to the staff who are eligible for the allowance and the federal government has released it, and it was thought to be salary,” she said.

Dr Ehanire assured members of ASUU that Management remained committed to the payment of all entitlements due to staff without hindrance.

She called on stakeholders not to undue sensationalisation of issues in an effort to keep the existing industrial harmony in the University and the Nigerian university system generally.