Today there was a protest at the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Umuahia Abia state Organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising The three unions, the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria University (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The protest was for 84% payment of salaries. The University gate was closed and the Admin block was locked for several hours. The V.c is being accused of embezzling funds meant for the University. He is yet to give good reasons for the shortfall in salaries and it is perceived that the leaders of the Academic staff union of university in the University have been bribed to keep mute as there seems to be little or no action by their union. The Vice chancellor, Prof. Francis Ogbonaya Otunta was not on sit as at the time of filing this report to counter the claims of the unions.
It's of note that the V. C sacked 854 employed of the University last year citing illegal employment and being unable to continue paying their salaries. He said they were the reason for the shortfall then but since the score he still has not been able to pay complete salaries and the University is independent to staff to the tune of 100billion Naira. Several news agencies where on ground to document and cover the temporary shutdown and protest in the University like Channels T. v and AIT television. Below are pictures from the protest.