Akwa ibom varsity shut over alleged salary deduction new minimum wage

It appears that the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has been shut down due to a dispute over alleged salary deduction and the implementation of the new minimum wage.

According to reports, the university's non-academic staff, including workers from the National Union of Academic Technologists (NUAT), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), have been protesting the alleged deduction of their salaries.

The staff are reportedly demanding the payment of their salaries in full, without any deductions, and are also seeking the implementation of the new minimum wage of N30,000 per month, as agreed upon by the federal government.

The university's management has been accused of deducting a significant portion of the staff's salaries, allegedly to offset outstanding debts, which the staff claim is unfair and unjust.

The protest has led to the closure of the university, with students and lecturers being sent home. The university's management has reportedly been unable to resolve the issue, leading to the shutdown.

It's worth noting that this is not an isolated incident, as there have been several reports of universities and other institutions of higher learning in Nigeria facing similar challenges, including salary deductions and the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the education sector in Nigeria, including inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and the need for improved governance and management practices.

It's hoped that the issue can be resolved soon, and the university can reopen, allowing students to continue their studies and staff to return to work.