The management of Abia State University (ABSU) has suspended an Economics lecturer, Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze, over social media comments concerning the earnings of professors at the institution.
Nwaeze, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, had alleged in a post on Facebook that some professors at the university earn less than ₦400,000 monthly.
He also claimed that the combined earnings of some commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, could exceed the salaries earned by professors at the university.
The university management described the lecturer’s social media comments as harmful to the interests of the institution and announced his immediate suspension.
The suspension was communicated in a statement signed by Chijioke Nwogu, the university’s Public Relations Officer and Deputy Registrar.
According to the university, an investigative panel has been established to examine the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s comments and determine the appropriate next steps.
The development has drawn attention to the broader debate over the remuneration of academics in Nigerian universities, particularly amid concerns about rising living costs and the retention of experienced lecturers.
The university did not disclose the duration of the suspension or the specific outcome expected from the investigative process.
Further action is expected after the panel completes its investigation and submits its findings to the university management.