The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has disassociated itself from the industrial action declared by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the allegations 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 “cease to teach, supervise or attend Departmental Board, Faculty Board, Senate or other statutory meetings or engage in any academic or administrative activity while this action lasts.”
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However, the University Management dismissed claims that academic staff received half salaries in August 2026, explaining that the issue was a misunderstanding involving a particular allowance.
The Management, in a statement signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Benedicta Ehanire, said the confusion had been resolved.
“The Federal Government has paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August, 2026,” the PRO stated.
The University Management pointed out the need for allegations against the institution to be verified before publication, stating that UNIBEN is a public institution with an established system for authenticating information.
“The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which was confused for salary, has now been released by the federal government and promptly disbursed to staff who are entitled to the allowance,” 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.
