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Tension is mounting at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following the unexpected deduction of up to N25,000 from the February 2025 salaries of staff members, a situation that has sparked outrage within the university community.
After a prolonged delay in salary payments, which extended into March 5, staff members began receiving their salaries, only to discover significant shortfalls.
The deductions, which reportedly varied among employees, have raised concerns, especially as the university is currently conducting examinations.
Several affected workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, lamented that the recurring salary deductions have remained unexplained by the university’s bursary unit.
They warned that if no clear explanation is provided, they may be forced to take decisive actions, including protests or an industrial strike.
A senior management official, who also preferred anonymity, confirmed the rising discontent among the staff.
“There is anger and public disquiet over the slashing of staff salaries for February. After the delay that lasted into March, salaries started dropping, but with significant shortfalls. Some employees were underpaid by as much as N25,000 or more,” the official said.
“This has created tension in the institution, especially with ongoing examinations. Since universities started handling salary payments this year, payslips have rarely been issued, making it difficult to track deductions.
“Staff members are questioning why this is happening, especially since the university adopted the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System template and possesses accurate staff salary records.”
In response to the growing concerns, the university management issued an internal memo signed by the acting Registrar, Victor Modebelu, apologising for the inconvenience caused by the salary reductions.
The memo, dated March 5, 2025, and titled “Shortfall in February Salary,” acknowledged the issue and assured staff that it was being addressed.
The statement read in part:“I am directed by the acting Vice-Chancellor to notify you that the university management has taken note of the shortfalls in the February salary payments.
“We apologise for the inconveniences this might have caused the university community and appreciate your understanding in this matter.
“We kindly appeal to you to continue with the ongoing examinations and your regular duties while the Bursary staff reviews the shortfall in the payment system.
“Please be assured that the management will provide a detailed explanation of the issue and outline the steps being taken to resolve it.”
