Ambrose Alli University refutes claims of 32-month unpaid salaries, calls allegations misleading

Ambrose Alli University (AAU) has responded to media reports alleging that some of its staff members are owed up to 32 months of unpaid salaries, dismissing the claims as exaggerated and misleading.

The university’s statement, issued by Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol, clarified that the situation has been misrepresented.

The controversy began after a political video surfaced, featuring university lecturers alleging long-standing unpaid salaries.

AAU confirmed that the video was filmed at the University’s Senior Staff Club and included recognizable staff members but insisted that the claims were not representative of the broader reality.

According to AAU, the allegations were made by a small group of staff members who were dissatisfied with the biometric verification exercise conducted in 2021. These individuals were removed from the payroll due to failure to complete the necessary documentation or refusal to participate in the exercise.

The university emphasized that it regularly pays its staff by the 26th of each month, noting that July salaries were paid on July 26, 2024, and the same is expected for August.

AAU invited independent verification to support its claim of consistent salary payments.

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Addressing additional allegations that the university had promoted staff removed from the payroll, AAU clarified that only promotions for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 appraisal years were approved, well before the biometric exercise began.

The university also countered claims made in the video suggesting that it was “dead” or “destroyed,” noting that it is currently holding 1st Semester examinations for the 2023/2024 academic session and continuing with academic activities, including inaugural lectures, workshops, and seminars.

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Despite these allegations, AAU remains a preferred choice for admission seekers, demonstrating its resilience and ongoing relevance.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration to finishing strong in its efforts to support and advance the university’s standing.