Abia State University suspends professor over salary comparison remarks

Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze of Abia State University (ABSU) has been suspended following social media comments regarding the economic welfare of academic staff. Nwaeze had compared the earnings of professors to those of commercial Keke riders, claiming that some professors at the institution earn less than ₦400,000 monthly, whereas counterparts in other states reportedly earn approximately ₦1.4 million.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the suspension, describing it as an attempt to weaponize administrative power against constitutional freedom of expression. HURIWA demanded the immediate and unconditional recall of the professor, arguing that universities should be centers of intellectual freedom rather than institutions that punish critical inquiry.

Political parties in Abia State, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have also voiced opposition to the university's decision. The APC characterized the move as an assault on free speech and an indication of government intolerance toward constructive criticism, while the PDP expressed solidarity with Nwaeze, citing his advocacy for the university community.