Gov Otti Concedes to Pressure, Meets ABSU Management, Commits to Paying 13-Month Salary Arrears in Installments Starting End of July | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Nbosi, July 20, 2024 — In a bid to resolve the ongoing salary crisis at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Governor Alex Chioma Otti has pledged to begin payment of the 13-month salary arrears owed to university staff in installments. The announcement followed a crucial meeting with the university's management on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

In a press statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, it was confirmed that Governor Otti held discussions with the Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu, and other university officials at his residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area from where he runs the activities of Abia State Government. 

This meeting comes on the heels of a series of protests by ABSU staff, who had repeatedly expressed their frustration over the prolonged non-payment of their salaries. The protests, which effectively shut down the university, highlighted the dire financial straits faced by the employees, who accused the state government of subjecting them to continuous verification processes without subsequent payment.

In the press statement titled "Governor Alex Otti Meets with the Management and Members of the Senate of Abia State University, Resolves Outstanding Salary Issues," it was revealed that Governor Otti has committed to a structured payment plan to clear the arrears. The payment will commence at the end of July 2024 and will be spread over 12 months.

The statement reads: “On Saturday, July 20th, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, met with the Management and Members of the Senate of Abia State University at his country home, Umuehim Nvosi in Isialangwa South Local Government Area to resolve all pending issues regarding verification and payment of salaries to the staff of the university. 

“During the meeting, it was confirmed that all the staff of Abia State University, both verified and unverified, have been paid their salaries up to June 2024 as directed by the Governor. Governor Otti further directed the verification team to relocate to Abia State University to conclude the verification exercise within the week to ensure seamless payment of salaries without delay or omission of names of staff of the university.

“The Governor reassured the Management, Senate, and staff of the university of his commitment to pay all outstanding arrears of salaries owed by the immediate past administration and informed them that a formula has been worked out by his government to offset the N18 billion salary arrears in installments, starting from the end of July for 12 months at the rate of N1.5 billion per month.

“The Governor reiterated his government's resolve to implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and allayed the fears of the university management on the TSA model. 

“Governor Otti directed the Vice Chancellor to take control and resolve all issues and complaints against the Abia State University Microfinance Bank to ensure effective service delivery. The Governor urged the university management to continually engage with his team to resolve any grey areas. The Accountant General clarified that no ABSU staff is being short-paid but that the state is applying the proper tax codes. 

Photo: Dr Alex Chioma Otti in a picture with the VC and management of ABSU.

“In attendance at the meeting were the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu, the University Bursar, and Members of the University Senate.”

This development marks a significant step toward resolving the financial turmoil at ABSU, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered staff who have been struggling with the consequences of the unpaid salaries. The university community now awaits the implementation of the Governor's promises, with expectations high for a swift resolution to the long-standing issue.