N138m fraud rocks UNICAL ASUU

A financial crisis is rocking the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar (UNICAL), following allegations of non-remittance of N138.7 million in check-off dues.

The alleged fraud dates back to 2019 during the tenure of the chapter’s immediate past executive, led by Dr. John Edor.

According to reports, the failure to remit the dues to ASUU’s national secretariat prompted the union’s leadership to suspend the UNICAL chapter.

The matter has now been taken to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria under suit number NICN/CA/44/2025.

The suit was filed by some concerned lecturers from UNICAL, led by Dr. John Inaku and nine others, as claimants. ASUU (national) and two other parties, including Dr. Edor, are listed as defendants.

The claimants are seeking 15 reliefs from the court, including a declaration that they cannot be made to repay or remit dues already deducted from their salaries.

An order directing ASUU national to lift the suspension on the UNICAL chapter and restore all rights, privileges, and benefits due to its members.

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An order compelling Edor to render a proper account of all dues collected during his tenure and refund the unremitted sum of N138,782,840.97 or any amount determined by the court.

A directive for ASUU national to take disciplinary action against Edor in line with the union’s constitution and the Trade Unions Act.

An order restraining the defendants from taking punitive measures against the claimants over the matter.

General damages of N150 million from ASUU national and N50 million from Edor, along with 21% interest per annum on the judgment sum until full payment, plus N5 million as special damages.

When contacted, Edor acknowledged awareness of the allegations but maintained that ASUU has internal mechanisms for addressing such disputes.

“I am aware of the allegations. But there are internal mechanisms and processes of settling such issues in the union. So I advise whoever is aggrieved to follow the process,” he told NAN.

The Star