A non-academic staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prince Carter Oshodin reportedly committed suicide on Friday, September 9, in Edo State’s Upper Sakponba area of Umelu Community.
Oshodion, a data entry personnel at the university took his own life over non-payment of salaries due to the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
A professor in UNIBEN, (name withheld), said;
“Yes he was our staff, he killed himself due to lack of money. Even some months ago, he was quoted to have been advising people on coping strategies and yet took his life which has put his family in a bigger problem.
We have been paid no dime since we went on strike. This is the 10th of September, the non-academic staff members that have since resumed have not been paid anything.”
Oshodin’s colleague reacted Another colleague simply known as Edward said Oshodin on his Facebook page said; “He committed suicide on Friday and according to a post on his Facebook, he said he was facing financial difficulties and could not pay the school fees of his two young daughters. It is a pathetic situation.”
Though the incident was not reported to the State’s Police Command, the DPO of the area was said to have gone to the community for an on-the-spot assessment and further confirmed it from the community head.
