UNIZIK Staff Protest Over Unpaid Salaries, Allege N1bn Misappropriation

UNIZIK Staff Protest Over Alleged N1bn Salary Misappropriation

Over 1,000 Workers Demand Unpaid Wages After Five Years

More than 1,000 staff members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, who were employed between 2019 and 2020, have taken to the streets in protest, alleging that N1 billion allocated for their salaries was misappropriated by the institution’s management.

The protesters decried the hardship caused by the prolonged delay, with some lamenting that colleagues had lost their lives due to financial struggles.

“We are shocked and disappointed that such a huge sum meant for our salaries was mismanaged. Several of our members have died due to this non-payment,” some workers lamented during the protest.

University Management Denies Misappropriation Claims

In response to the allegations, the university’s Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu, denied any wrongdoing. He explained that only 120 out of the affected staff had been fully captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Egwuatu clarified that the employment processes in 2019 and 2020 were conducted before the federal government mandated IPPIS registration. Consequently, many employees were left out of the system.

“The federal government directed that the final capturing be done through the Head of Service, but this is yet to be completed,” Egwuatu stated. protesting employees.

“Initially, we thought the amount was meant for the affected staff, but the federal government clarified otherwise,” he added.

University Pushes for Resolution

To address the crisis, the management assured the aggrieved workers that efforts were underway to secure their rightful payments.

“We are actively engaging with the federal government and the National Assembly to ensure the full capturing of all affected staff and the release of their salaries,” Egwuatu emphasized.

The protest highlights ongoing challenges with salary disbursements in Nigerian universities, raising concerns over financial accountability and staff welfare.

What’s Next?

Will the federal government intervene and resolve this issue? Stay tuned as we bring you updates on this developing story.