There is tension at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Community, Ekpoma, as both members of the Academic and Administrative Staff Unions of the Edo State-owned institution are spoiling for war with the management over alleged plan to cut staff salaries by 50% as a result of the reduction in the monthly subvention from the state government.
The cause of the reduction in the state government’s monthly subvention to the university is yet unknown.
The tension at the university campus was heightened at the weekend following a circular by the management, informing the staff that they would only be paid 50% of their April salaries.
The circular, signed by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Edward U. Aihevba, reads: “The university community is hereby put on notice that based on the drastic reduction in the monthly subvention made available to the university by the state government, there will be difficulty in paying full monthly salaries to staff henceforth.
“Consequently, staff is hereby informed that only a percentage of monthly salaries would be paid to staff until the situation improves.
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“It must be added that the university’s management was able to pay net in the month of March because of the savings from school fees at the disposal of the university.
“Staff are, therefore, advised to adjust their lifestyles and expenditure patterns until payment of full salaries are restored.
“The university management passionately appeals for the understanding of all staff in this regards.”
When contacted, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), AAU chapter, Dr. Monday Igbafen, while confirming the tension at the university, said the union would be meeting to come up with their position on the issue.
