Abia State University has suspended Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze following his social media comments comparing the income of university lecturers to that of commercial Keke riders. Nwaeze, a lecturer at ABSU, stated that professors in the state earn less than ₦400,000 monthly, significantly lower than the ₦1.4 million earned by counterparts in other states. His remarks, made on Thursday, triggered a swift response from the university management, which initiated the suspension.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State condemned the action, calling it an attack on free speech and workers' rights. APC spokesperson Uche Aguoru said the suspension revealed the Abia State Government's intolerance for criticism, particularly when it concerns public welfare. The party demanded the professor's immediate reinstatement. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed support for Nwaeze, with state chairman Abraham Amah stating that the suspension was linked to his advocacy for university workers' rights. The PDP urged the professor to remain resolute.
No statement has been issued by the Abia State Government or ABSU management detailing the grounds or duration of the suspension. The next steps regarding Nwaeze's employment status remain unclear.
The suspension of a professor for publicly discussing salary disparities raises questions about the space for academic freedom in state-run institutions. If expressing concern over pay gaps leads to disciplinary action, it may discourage other staff from speaking on welfare issues affecting public education. The response from political parties highlights the sensitivity of public sector wage debates in the state.
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