THE Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, raised concerns regarding the victimization of over 200 of its members, citing unjust terminations and the refusal to pay owed salaries amounting to 28 months.
Speaking at a press conference, the ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator, Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of targeting union members for opposing the awarding of a professorship to former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.
Professor Oyegoke emphasised that the ongoing attacks on the integrity of public universities are being perpetuated by university administrators and visitors.
The union, however, expressed concern over the treatment of its members at various universities, including Lagos State University, LASU, Kogi State University, KSU, and Ebonyi State University, EBSU.
Professor Oyegoke noted that members have been unlawfully suspended, denied promotions and their salaries withheld for advocating 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.”
