The University of Benin has confirmed full payment of August salaries to academic staff, refuting claims that only half-salaries were paid. The clarification came in a statement issued Friday by the university's Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire, who described the reports as "patently false." According to the statement, the Federal Government issued a payment warrant that enabled the university to pay all categories of staff in full before the end of August.
The payment included the federal component of the Earned Academic Allowance for June, July, and August, which had been delayed due to non-release of the warrant. The university also confirmed that the Governing Council's portion of the allowance for eligible academic staff was paid after verification. This followed a meeting between management and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), where the distinction between salary and allowances was explained, along with tax implications under the new Nigeria Tax Reform Act.
ASUU had embarked on an indefinite strike on September 9 over the dispute but suspended the action after management committed to clearing the allowance arrears by September 18. The university stated that the clarifications should end controversies over emolument payments and affirmed that peace and harmony remain intact on campus.
Students and staff now have official confirmation that August salaries were fully paid, ending speculation that could have disrupted academic activities. Affected lecturers should verify their account statements for the full breakdown of salary and allowance credits, especially the federal and council components paid separately.
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