ASUU raises alarm over alleged Victimization of members in 5 Universities

By David Odama

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (ASUU-FUAM) has raised an alarm over “targeted victimization” of their members in various universities across five universities.

The affected universities according to the alleged victimization include Kogi State University (KSU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ebonyi State University, (EBSU), Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).

Chairman of ASUU, FUAM, Comrade Paul Anyah, alleged while briefing Journalists in Makurdi Wednesday that the trend was not only threatening the integrity of the nation’s higher education system in the country, but affecting the corporate existence of the Association.

According to Anyah, lecturers at the affected institutions were made to face various forms of punishment ranging from suspension to dismissal without adherence to due process.

The Union leader claimed that in recent months, ASUU members have witnessed a surge in incidences where university managements have systematically persecuted academic staff members who advocate for better conditions of service in Nigerian universities.

“Others have been denied promotions, and many more have been denied salaries for challenging administrative misconduct and advocating for academic welfare.

“Given the circumstances, ASUU has declared September 10, 2024 as “Victimized Lecturers’ Day,” a day of national solidarity for persecuted academics to spotlight the struggles faced by persecuted members across Nigerian universities.

“The University of Agriculture Makurdi branch of ASUU (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 aimed at silencing those advocating for a better university education.”

ASUU-FUAM, therefore called on the Governor of Kogi state Ahmed Ododo, to reinstate the 120 KSU members who were removed where majority in pains while some of lost their lives as a result of suffering.

“These academics were removed from their positions in 2017 after engaging in legitimate actions demanding better welfare for staff. We also urged the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu, to reinstate the “LASU 5″ as a demonstration of his commitment to justice and rejection of victimization.”

The ASUU-FUAM Chairman also called on the federal and state governments as well as university administrators to immediately halt all forms of victimization in the university system and work towards building a peaceful and supportive academic environment.

While assuring of the union steadfast in safeguarding the rights of its members and make Nigerian universities a shinning example of intellectual freedom and advancement, Comrade Anyah stressed the need for more robust relationship between the universities authority and the lecturers.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator ASUU Nsukka Zone, Raphael Amokaha said the union has been having a running battle with university managements to the point that some cases are in court.

Amokaha who noted that the union is anticipating a fair judgement on the cases in court, tasked all other branches where their colleagues were being victimized to create a conducive working environments in the interest of the nation higher institutions.

“We shall follow a peaceable approach, a legal approach but we feel that for the purpose of expediency, it’s better to settle our differences amicably through dialogue”.

“But where the proprietors are not ready to listen or follow the legitimate procedures, we may have no option than to go back and do some stock taking and if it means going on an action, we will not shy away from it.”