The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has distanced itself from the industrial action declared by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), calling the allegations of salary underpayment misinformation and a misinterpretation of facts.
ASUU had, in a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Professor Enaruna Edosa, and Secretary, Dr Lucky Aimiyekagbon, directed its members to withdraw their services over what it described as the payment of half salaries to academic staff.
The union declared “a total and indefinite withdrawal of services until the underpaid salaries are fully paid.”
ASUU also directed its members to “cease teaching, supervision, attendance at Departmental Board, Faculty Board, Senate or other statutory meetings, and engagement in any academic or administrative activity while this action lasts.”
However, the University Management denied claims that academic staff received half salaries in August 2026, explaining that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a particular allowance.
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In a statement signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Benedicta Ehanire, the Management said the confusion had been resolved.
According to the PRO, “The Federal Government has paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August, 2026.”
The University Management emphasised the need for allegations concerning the institution to be verified before publication, noting that UNIBEN is a public institution with an established system for authenticating information.
She further explained that “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.”
Dr Ehanire assured ASUU members of the Management’s commitment to paying all entitlements due to staff without hindrance.
She urged stakeholders to avoid undue sensationalisation of issues to sustain the prevailing industrial harmony in the University and the Nigerian university system as a whole.
