University lecturers, represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have slammed the Federal Government for paying them half-salary in October.
According to a member of the union's National Executive Council (NEC), the decision to pay the half-salary allegedly came from Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige to the Federation's Accountant General.
Ngige, on the other hand, denied the allegation, claiming that he never directed the Accountant General to pay university lecturers half their salary.
"Anyone who worked for a full month will receive full pay for the entire month," he said. If you work for half a month, you will be paid for half a month. That is the case.
"ASUU members received half-pay for working 15 days in October."
The NEC member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that ASUU leadership was reviewing the situation and would respond appropriately.
"The salary for October was prorated," he explained. It was paid pro-rata for the number of days Ngige assumed lecturers worked, and instruction was given from Ngige to the Accountant General's office."
ASUU's chairman of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) branch, Dele Ashiru, said in a statement: "It is, to say the least, insensitive and disheartening that a supposedly democratic government can be so vicious, reckless, and inhuman in dealing with our society's best brains."
"The union's national leadership has been informed of this unfortunate development, and they are on top of the situation."
"Members are urged to remain calm and await further directives from the national secretariat, even in the face of this administration's bracing provocation and blatant wickedness."
"Please stay strong and unafraid, because a united people can never be defeated."
After an eight-month strike, ASUU suspended its action "conditionally" on October 14.
The union explained that the strike was called off in accordance with the orders of the Court of Appeal and the National Industrial Court, as well as in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari's appeals and in recognition of the efforts of House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and other well-meaning Nigerians.
