In any university environment, few things travel faster than rumours about strikes or unpaid salaries and even when normal academic activities continue, such claims can quietly shape how students feel about stability on campus.
That is the situation Coal City University, Enugu, is now addressing after reports alleged salary arrears and a prolonged staff strike, claims the institution has firmly denied.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Afam Ituma, described the reports as false, misleading, and damaging to the university’s reputation.
He insisted that staff salaries are paid regularly and that the university has never experienced any strike action since its establishment.
“The University categorically refutes the allegations of non-payment of staff salaries and the alleged six-month staff strike arising therefrom. Staff salaries have been paid consistently, and the university does not owe its employees any salary arrears,” he said.
“Furthermore, there has never been any staff strike action in the history of the University. These allegations are entirely false, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.”
The Vice-Chancellor also addressed concerns around a June 10 incident involving members of the university community, explaining that the institution took internal action before the matter gained public attention.
According to him, the university suspended the staff member and students involved and set up a Review Committee to investigate the circumstances.
“Any suggestion that the University’s response was reactionary or prompted by
external pressure is inaccurate,” he said.
He added that the student involved in the case is a beneficiary of the university’s scholarship scheme, but stressed that the ongoing review would remain objective and independent.
“The Review Committee has been mandated to examine the matter objectively and submit its recommendations to Management,” he said.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the university says it is also reviewing policies on student welfare, staff conduct, conflict resolution, and campus safety to strengthen internal systems.
On its academic standing, Ituma noted that all 26 programmes offered by the institution are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, adding that academic and administrative activities
continue without disruption.
“The University continues to strengthen its academic programmes, quality assurance systems, learning facilities, industry partnerships, and student-support initiatives,” he said.
He urged students, parents, and the public to rely only on official communication channels for verified information about the institution.
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