Staff questioned what services the university provided to incur the government debt.
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) says it cannot meet payroll obligations due to “millions owed” by the federal government.
On June 26, AUN president DeWayne Frazier told staff in an email titled “University Wide Updates” that the unpaid debt was blocking salary payments.
“Without this current payment, AUN is still not able to meet up with the current payroll,” he wrote. Staff questioned what services the university provided to incur the government debt.
Frazier also announced AUN won an iDICE grant and donor-funded sports projects.
Despite enrolment growth, workers said some salaries remain unpaid for months.
Daniel Okereke, AUN’s registrar, denied wage arrears. “The June payroll is currently being processed and will be disbursed shortly,” he said.
Frazier, whose credentials have faced scrutiny, previously led Iowa Wesleyan University before it closed due to financial instability, raising further questions about his leadership at the Yola-based private institution.