The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has voiced strong concerns about the victimization of over 200 of its members, highlighting issues of unjust terminations and the withholding of salaries for up to 28 months.
At a press conference, ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator, Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of targeting union members who opposed the awarding of a professorship to Dr. Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.
Professor Oyegoke criticized the ongoing attacks on the integrity of public universities, attributing them to university administrators and governing bodies.
He also expressed concern about the treatment of ASUU members at various institutions, including Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and Ebonyi State University.
He highlighted that members have faced unlawful suspensions, denied promotions, and withheld salaries as retaliation for their advocacy for the rule of law and university autonomy.
He said: “Despite a Visitation Panel’s recommendation for their reinstatement, the situation remains unresolved after seven years.
“In Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, the branch secretariat is reportedly locked, preventing members from holding congress meetings, while salaries have been withheld for up to 12 months.
“Similarly, in Ebonyi State University, the administration is appealing a court judgment favouring victimized members instead of implementing it.
“The union is calling on opinion leaders, traditional and religious figures, media, labor movements, student groups, and civil society organizations to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of wrongfully dismissed members and to halt all forms of victimization.”
(Vanguard)
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