Abia State University has restored a suspended economics professor to duty after he publicly claimed that professors at the institution take home less than ₦400,000 a month.
In a letter dated 3 September and signed by Acting Registrar Joy Nwankwo, the university said the suspension of Nnamdi Nwaeze, of the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, was lifted with immediate effect. The decision followed a written appeal from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at the university.
The recall, however, does not end the internal process against him. Management stated that an investigative panel examining allegations of misconduct continues its work and that the university is still awaiting the panel’s final report.
Nwaeze was suspended in August after a Facebook post in which he linked the low pay of professors at ABSU to an ongoing ASUU industrial action at the school. He argued that tricycle operators earned more than professors.
On Saturday, the professor welcomed the lifting of the suspension in a lengthy Facebook post. He thanked supporters across Nigeria for their solidarity and described the development as a “momentary victory.” At the same time, he characterised the university’s continued reference to the investigation as evidence that the recall was only a “momentary reprieve.”
Nwaeze claimed the move was a calculated gesture intended first to avert any resumption of the ASUU-ABSU strike after a 4 September deadline, and second to create time for further inquiries that could lead to his silencing, dismissal, or public discrediting. He insisted he had committed no offence against the university or the Abia State Government and said his difficulties were politically motivated. He noted that he had faced multiple panels over the past two to three years without any indictment.
He praised Governor Alex Otti for helping to facilitate the recall and appealed to the governor to restrain those he believes are still targeting him. Nwaeze maintained that his public comments on governance and related issues had remained civil and respectful of the governor and his office. He also expressed concern for his personal safety in the university and the state, saying he was taking lawful steps to protect himself.
The university has not issued any further public comment beyond the registrar’s letter. The investigative panel’s findings will determine the next stage of the matter.
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