The serene academic atmosphere of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has been disrupted by a wave of discontent among staff members following a significant shortfall in their February 2025 salaries. This incident, which follows a delayed payment that stretched into March 5th, has ignited tensions within the university community, particularly as it coincides with the ongoing examination period. Employees expressed their frustration and anger, noting that salary deductions have become a recurring issue, with no clear explanation provided by the university’s bursary unit. The lack of transparency surrounding these deductions has fueled speculation and mistrust, further exacerbating the already tense situation. The fear of victimization prevents many from openly voicing their grievances, adding to the pervasive sense of unease within the institution.
The salary discrepancies vary, with some staff reporting shortfalls of up to N25,000 or more. This irregularity has raised numerous questions, especially considering that UNIZIK inherited the payment template from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and possesses comprehensive staff records necessary for accurate salary disbursement. The absence of payslips further complicates the matter, making it difficult for staff to verify the deductions and their justification. The persistent nature of this issue, coupled with the lack of communication from the bursary unit, has led to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for accountability. Employees are demanding a clear explanation for the recurring discrepancies and assurance that their full salaries will be paid promptly.
In response to the growing unrest, the university management, through the Acting Registrar, Victor Modebelu, issued an internal memo on March 5th, 2025. The memo acknowledges the salary shortfalls and apologizes for the inconvenience caused. While appreciating the staff’s understanding, the memo assures them that the bursary staff is reviewing the payment system to identify the root cause of the problem. Management also promises a detailed explanation and outlines the steps being taken to rectify the situation. However, the memo stops short of specifying a timeline for the disbursement of the outstanding salaries, further contributing to the prevailing uncertainty.
Despite the management’s apology and assurances, the lack of a concrete plan to address the salary issue has done little to quell the brewing discontent. The open-ended nature of the memo, without a firm commitment to rectify the shortfalls promptly, has been met with skepticism. Staff members remain apprehensive, expressing doubts about whether the management’s assurances will translate into concrete action. The failure to provide a timeline for the payment of the outstanding salaries has only served to amplify the existing anxieties, potentially jeopardizing the smooth conduct of the ongoing examinations and the overall academic calendar.
The ongoing salary saga at UNIZIK underscores a larger problem within the Nigerian university system – the lack of transparency and accountability in financial matters. The recurring nature of salary discrepancies and the inadequate communication from the bursary unit highlight the need for stronger oversight and improved financial management practices within the institution. The lack of timely and accurate payment of salaries not only affects the morale and well-being of the staff but also undermines the university’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, ultimately impacting the quality of education delivered.
Addressing this situation effectively requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, the university management must prioritize transparent communication with its staff. Providing clear and detailed explanations for the salary discrepancies and outlining a concrete timeline for the payment of outstanding amounts is crucial to rebuilding trust and alleviating anxiety. Secondly, a thorough review of the payment system is necessary to identify and rectify any systemic issues that may be contributing to the recurring problems. This should include strengthening internal control mechanisms and ensuring accurate record-keeping. Finally, fostering a culture of accountability within the bursary unit and the university administration as a whole is essential to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This could involve implementing stricter oversight measures and establishing clear channels for staff to report and address salary discrepancies. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and effective communication, UNIZIK can work towards resolving the current salary crisis and restoring the trust of its valuable staff members.
