BENIN CITY — The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIBEN chapter, have disagreed over a strike declared by the union over alleged underpayment of salaries.
The disagreement followed a resolution by the university’s ASUU chapter to embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of services until what it described as underpaid salaries are fully paid.
In a communique signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Enaruna Edosa and L. O. Aimiyekagbon, respectively, the union said the decision was based on an existing resolution of the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) empowering branches to withdraw their services when salaries are not fully paid by the third day of the new month.
The union also cited the resolution of the Emergency NEC meeting of September 5, 2026, directing branches in federal universities where salaries had been underpaid to take action.
ASUU Directs Members to Stop Academic Activities
ASUU directed its members to immediately cease teaching, supervision and attendance at departmental and faculty board meetings, Senate meetings and other statutory engagements.
Members were also instructed to suspend all academic and administrative activities for the duration of the industrial action.
The union said the decision would be reviewed at an emergency congress.
UNIBEN Management Denies Salary Underpayment
However, the university management rejected reports that academic staff were paid half salaries in August 2026.
In a statement made available to journalists by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, management said the claim was inaccurate and arose from confusion over a particular allowance.
According to the management, the Federal Government had paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August 2026.
The university explained that the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) had been mistaken for salaries but had subsequently been released by the Federal Government and promptly disbursed to eligible staff.
Management Calls for Verification
Management urged stakeholders and the media to verify allegations concerning the university before publication, stressing that UNIBEN has an established system for authenticating information.
It assured staff that all legitimate entitlements would be paid without hindrance and appealed against what it described as undue sensationalisation of issues.
The management said this was necessary to sustain industrial harmony within the university and the wider Nigerian university system.
