By Joy Yesufu
The management of Abia State University (ABSU) has suspended a professor in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze, over comments he made on social media concerning the salaries of academic staff at the institution.
Nwaeze had, in posts on his Facebook page, alleged that some professors at the university earn less than N400,000 monthly.
He also claimed that the cumulative earnings of some commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, were higher than the salaries received by professors at the university.
Reacting to the posts, the university management said the professor’s comments were inimical to the interests of the institution.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, was contained in a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer and Deputy Registrar, Chijioke Nwogu.
The management also announced the constitution of an investigative panel to examine the matter and make appropriate recommendations.
The university did not, however, provide details of the specific provisions or regulations allegedly breached by the professor in the statement announcing his suspension.
The development comes amid continuing concerns over remuneration, welfare and working conditions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Nwaeze’s claims regarding the salaries of professors could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Further details are expected following the conclusion of the university’s investigation.
