Staff of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) under the aegis of Council of Academic and Non-Teaching Unions have rejected proposed plans by the Akwa Ibom State Government to defray their arrears of salaries and 8 months minimum wage.
The unions insist that all entitlements, including arrears of new minimum wage from November 2024 to date, May 2025 and June 2025 salaries be paid at once.
Bulletin 2 dated 07/07/2025 and signed by the Council Leadership, directed to all the staff of the institution and made available to The Crest, indicated that staff of the institution will stop work today July 9, on the basis of lack of transport fare.
According to the bulletin 2, “We wish to on behalf of the Council of Academic And Non-Teaching Unions Of Akwa Ibom State University inform everyone that earlier today, 07/07/2025, the leadership of all Staff Unions had a meeting with the University Management.
“At the meeting, we were informed that efforts were ongoing towards ensuring that June 2025 salary would be paid on or before Wednesday 9th July, 2025.
“We were further told that, May 2025 salary and the Arrears of the New Minimum Wage from November 2024 to date would be paid alongside July, 2025 salary at the end of the month.
“Comrades, without wasting time, all of us in unison, rejected such payment plan. We insisted that all our entitlements being, arrears of New Minimum Wage from November 2024 to date, May 2025 and June 2025 salaries must be paid at once to us.
“We also reiterated our earlier stance as contained in our letter to the Governor dated 02/07/2025 which said ‘We therefore will not be able to fund our way to and from work if by Wednesday 9th July, 2025, May and June 2025 salaries; and all the arrears of the New Minimum Wage are not paid.’
Meanwhile, an eye witness account disclosed that the University environment has been deserted by students and lecturers as lectures slated to start since June 17 have been put on hold.
It can be recalled that prior to Bulletin 2, on July 3, a memo from the University Management titled, “Update on Salary Payment” and signed by the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM, acknowledged the concerns and inconveniences caused by the delay in the payment of staff salaries but emphasized the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality at designated duty posts.
“The University Management acknowledges the concerns and inconveniences caused by the delay in the payment to staff salaries and we sincerely apologize for any hardship this situation may have created.
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“Please, be informed that the State Government has assured that outstanding salaries will be paid by next week and Management is actively working to resolve all issues.
“Accordingly, the University Management appreciates all staff members for their patience and understanding even as we kindly ask for your continued cooperation and professionalism. Also, we would like to use this opportunity to reiterate the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality at your designated duty posts.”
