By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed grave concern over the alleged illegal dismissal, harassment, and victimization of more than 120 of its executive and ordinary members across public universities in Nigeria.
In a press statement that signed by the ASUU Kano Zonal Coordinator. Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad, the union condemned the ongoing maltreatment of its members, which it claimed is orchestrated by university administrations with the support of some Governing Council Chairmen and university Visitors.
The statement cited universities such as Kogi State University (KSU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) as places where these actions are particularly egregious.
According to the statement, KSU alone dismissed 120 members, five were sacked at LASU, and three were suspended at EBSU, among other cases.
The union described the actions as blatant violations of the right to freedom of association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
He describef the harassment is as a response to ASUU members demand fir better working conditions, improved welfare, payment of backlogged salaries, and proper promotions.
ASUU also lamented the lack of implementation of investigation panel recommendations, such as those from a committee established at LASU by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Despite findings in favor of ASUU members, the union claimed that the Governor has refused to release the panel’s White Paper, and affected staff members have yet to be reinstated.
Despite a court ruling against its members in Kogi State University, ASUU has vowed to continue seeking legal remedies. The union is urging the administrations of the affected universities, their Governing Councils, and Visitors to respect university laws, end the victimization, and reinstate those who have been unjustly dismissed.
