By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE management of the University of Benin and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday differed on a strike declared by the school’s chapter of ASUU over alleged underpayment of salaries.

The ASUU in a communique signed by its Chairman and Secretary Enaruna Edosa and L. O. Aimiyekagbon on Wednesday after the Union’s congress said they resolved and invoked the “extant NEC resolution that granted Branches authority to withdraw their services when salaries are not fully paid by the 3rd of the new month, and the resolution of the Emergency NEC of 5th September, 2026 mandating Branches in Federal universities whose salaries were underpaid to take action, and consequently declared a total and indefinite withdrawal of services until the underpaid salaries are fully paid.”

The statement directed members to cease teaching, supervision, attendance at Departmental Board, Faculty Board, Senate or other statutory meetings, and engagement in any academic or administrative activity while this action lasts.

The statement said a review of the decision would be taken in an emergency congress.

But the management of the university in a statement denied reports that it was responsible for the underpayment.

The statement made available to journalists by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr (Mrs) Benedicta Ehanire said it was not true that academic staff of the institution were paid half salary in August, 2026 but that there was a particular allowance being misinterpreted to be salaries and that it has been sorted out.

The statement said “The Management declared that the Federal Government has paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August, 2026.

“The University Management emphasised the need for allegations concerning the University to be verified before publication, as the University is a public institution with a well-established system for authenticating information.

“The Management disclosed that the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which was confused for salary, has now been released by the federal government and promptly disbursed to staff who are entitled to the Allowance.

“The Management assured that whatever is due to staff of the University will be paid without hindrance, and advised against undue sensationalisation of issues by all stakeholders in order to sustain the prevailing industrial harmony in the University, and the Nigerian University System as a whole.”