Tension is currently brewing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, over the sudden slash of staff?s February salaries.

It was gathered that after a delay in the payment of February 2025 salaries, which lasted into March 5, salaries started dropping into employees? accounts with a staggering shortfall of up to N25,000 from above.

Our correspondent who visited the institution on Thursday observed that the development has triggered tension within the university community, especially with the ongoing examination.

Some employees of the institution who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity for fear of being victimised lamented that slashing of their monthly salaries has become a recurring activity by the school authorities every month and to date, no explanation has been offered by the bursary unit of the institution.

They threatened that if no tangible explanation is given by the management, they will take some decisive steps which might result in to protest or strike action.

However, in an internal memo from the office of the registrar, signed by the Acting Registrar, Victor Modebelu, the management of the institution apologised for the inconveniences the slash of salaries has caused the university community and appreciated their understanding in this matter.

Also speaking on the development, a top management staff who also craved anonymity, said, ?There is anger and public disquiet over the slashing of staff salaries for February. After a delay which lasted into the fifth day of March, February salaries started dropping last night, but with staggering shortfall, with some staff underpaid by up to N25,000 and even more for others.

?This has triggered tension in the institution, especially with the ongoing examination. Since universities began payment of salaries this year, payslips are rarely sent in an era marked by mutilation of staff salaries.

?Many questions are being asked, especially since the school inherited the payment template from IPPIS and more so, is in possession of staff records for proper placement of staff members for salaries. Till date, no explanation has been offered for the maltreatment of staff by the bursary unit of the institution.

?On Thursday morning, the memo above was issued by the Registrar, but without informing the university when they will receive their full salary, especially as this problem has become recurring.?

The internal memo sighted by our correspondent dated March 5, 2025, and signed by the acting Registrar, Victor Modebelu, had the caption, ?Shortfall in February salary?.

The memo read in part, ?I am directed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor to notify you that the University Management has taken note of the shortfalls in the February salary payments.

?We apologise for the inconveniences this might have caused the university community and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

?We kindly appeal to you to continue with the ongoing examinations and your regular duties while the Bursary staff reviews the shortfall in the payment system.

?Please be assured that the Management will provide a detailed explanation of the issue and outline the steps being taken to resolve it.

?Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. God bless UNIZIK.? (The PUNCH)

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