Industrial Court Orders Paul University to Pay former Staff N1.9m Unpaid Salaries, Allowances and Damages Within 30 days
The Presiding Judge, Asaba Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice John Targema has ordered Paul University, Awka and 3 Others to pay Alexander Ilo the sum of ?942,541.75 as salaries for the months of July to December 2019, February 2020, March 2020, and ten (10) days in April 2020 within 30 days.
The Court also ordered Paul University to pay Alexander Ilo all allowances/honoraria at the rate of ?5,000.00 (Five thousand naira) per month from June 2011 to April 2020 amounting to ?500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and the sum of ?500.000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) as general damages.
Justice Targema held that the issue of payment of salaries durable to an employee cannot be overemphasized, and cannot be taken away by an employer whether the employee’s employment is terminated or dismissed, or whether the employee himself resigns, such an employee is entitled to all earned salaries and emoluments.
From facts, the claimant- Alexander Ilo had submitted that he was employed by Paul University on the 12th of November 2010 and his appointment was confirmed on the 11th of December 2012, despite repeated requests, the University neglected and refused to pay his salaries for the months of July, August, September, October, November, and December 2018, February 2020, March 2020 and ten days in April 2020 and his honoraria.
However, the defendants- Paul University and 3 Others did not file any defence to the suit and did not enter any appearance nor were they represented by counsel.
Delivering the judgment, the Presiding Judge, Justice John Targema held that the issue of payment of salaries durable to an employee cannot be overemphasized and if there are reasons why the salary of the claimant would not be paid, same ought to be communicated to the claimant and in doing so, the method or procedure to be adopted must be in compliance with laid down rules, and the terms and conditions of employment governing the parties.
Justice Targema held that Alexander Ilo has proven his case on the preponderance of evidence and there was no reason furnished by the Paul University, Awka and 3 Others justifying their actions.
