..urges Kogi, Edo, Ebonyi, Lagos Govs to intervene

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has raised the alarm over what it terms targeted victimization of its members in various Nigerian universities who engage in advocacy for better conditions in Nigerian universities.

The branch Chairman of ASUU, former Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, FUAM, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, JoSTUM, Comrade Paul Anyagh expressed the concern Wednesday at a media briefing to mark the September 10, 2024 “Victimized Lecturers’ Day,” in Makurdi.

He pointed out that the disturbing trend was undermining academic freedom and also threatening the integrity of the nation’s higher education system.

According to him, “in recent months, ASUU has witnessed a surge in incidents where university managements have systematically persecuted academic staff members who advocate for better conditions in Nigerian universities.

“Affected universities include Kogi State University (KSU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).

“Lecturers at these institutions have faced various forms of punishment. Some of these lecturers were suspended or summarily dismissed without adherence to due process. Others have been denied promotions, and many more have been denied salaries, for challenging administrative misconduct and advocating for academic welfare.

“The ASUU-FUAM is standing in solidarity by bringing the attention of relevant stakeholders and the general public to the needless, unfair, and agonizing conditions that our members are enduring, clearly aimed at silencing the advocacy for a better university education.

“The union has consistently insisted that the visitors and management of universities must respect due process, academic freedom, and the rule of law to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system.

“Consequently, ASUU-FUAM is calling on Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State to reinstate the “KSU 120”. The case of 120 lecturers (a good number already dead) dismissed for participating in union activities remains unresolved, despite calls for their reinstatement. These academics were removed from their positions in 2017 after engaging in legitimate actions demanding better welfare for staff.

“We also urge Governor Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State to reinstate the “LASU 5” as a demonstration of his commitment to justice and rejection of victimization.

“Furthermore, ASUU-FUAM calls on both Federal and State Governments, as well as university administrations, to immediately halt all victimization efforts and work towards building a peaceful and supportive academic environment. The union is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of its members and maintaining Nigerian universities as a shining example of intellectual freedom and advancement.

“ASUU-FUAM demands the immediate reinstatement of dismissed lecturers across all affected universities, payment of full salaries and benefits owed to persecuted members, and discontinuation of all forms of intimidation and harassment against academic staff while calling for strengthened protections for academic freedom and union activity in Nigerian universities.

The Chairman of ASUU-Nzukka Zone, Comrade Raphael Amokaha also decried the ill-treatment of ASUU members in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma saying “our members have had problems with the university authorities and the state government.

“Thankfully the state government has now constituted a proper Council there, we hope they will go a step further and reinstate our sacked colleagues there and pay their 28 months’ salaries so that we can have peace in the old pioneer state University which should be a flagship institution.

The Zonal Chairman urged States that have issues with ASUU to embrace dialogue to resolve such issues in a peaceful atmosphere rather than frustrating peaceful options warning that ASUU would not hesitate to resort to action if Proprietors fail to adopt peaceful political resolutions or obey court orders.