Dr. Philips Nto quits ASUU at MOUAU, alleging poor transparency, bias, and personal vendettas.
He accuses the union of obstructing careers, unfair allowance sharing, and operating like a closed group.
Dr. Philips Nto, a senior lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has resigned from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), accusing the institution’s chapter of poor transparency, exclusionary practices, and personal vendettas.
Nto, who also serves as Director of the university’s Agribusiness Incubation Centre and is a former Abia State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, alleged that the union had been “hijacked by self-serving individuals” who now operate it “like a cult.”
In his resignation letter, which was shared with journalists in Umuahia over the weekend, the lecturer accused ASUU’s local leadership of using the union to obstruct the career advancement of members perceived as “outsiders” instead of championing their welfare.
He cited his own experience, claiming the chapter petitioned against his promotion to the rank of professor, reflecting what he described as deep-seated internal contradictions within the union.
Dispute Over Earned Academic Allowance
Dr. Nto further alleged unfair treatment in the recent disbursement of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), saying he was paid only ₦267,992, while his peers received between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. He said his protest letter on the matter had gone unanswered.
“The lack of transparency in the disbursement of the fund and the impunity with which some members are treated like outcasts have left me with no option than to exit the union,” he stated.
He added that despite years of financial contributions to ASUU, including an unrepaid loan of ₦250,000 given to the union in 2013, he had gained nothing in return. He has now asked the university management to stop deducting ASUU dues from his salary.
Union Reaction
Attempts to reach MOUAU’s ASUU chairman, Prof. Chike Ugwuene, were unsuccessful. However, a union member who spoke anonymously suggested that Nto’s grievances might be linked to his recent return from secondment at the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, where he enjoyed enhanced remuneration.
The source added that although the university management promoted him to the rank of professor upon his return, the ASUU chapter petitioned against the promotion.
