Lecturers are suffering, says ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (Akure Zone) has voiced its deep concern over the mistreatment of its members across various Nigerian universities.

 In a press statement issued by the ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Akure Zone,  Dr Adéolá Egbédòkun, titled, ‘Press Release on the Continued, Unjust Victimisation of Our Members in LASU, AAUE, KSU, EBSU, FUTO & COOU,’ the union highlighted ongoing issues faced by its members in these institutions.

The statement detailed instances of summary dismissals, denial of promotions, non-payment of salaries for several months, and failure to remit third-party deductions for union activities.

ASUU accused the institutions of persecuting their members simply for standing up for their rights and performing their duties diligently.

It read, “We (ASUU) are once again compelled to draw public attention to the unjust victimisation of our members in Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Kogi State University, Ebonyi State University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka.

“Our members are being punished for their commitment to truth and integrity in their professional roles. They have faced wrongful dismissals, unfulfilled promotions, delayed salaries, and withheld third-party deductions. This persecution is a blatant attempt by certain stakeholders to suppress the truth.”

ASUU condemned the actions of the university authorities and called for an end to the victimisation of its members.

The union said that the current situation reflected a broader issue of intolerance towards transparency and accountability in the academic sector.

“ASUU has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a travesty of justice in the recent judgment against its members at Kogi State University, Anyigba, following an excruciating seven-year wait.

“We are troubled by the extended legal battles that have persisted for over seven years at Kogi State University, Anyigba, and for more than five years at Lagos State University, where our colleagues were unjustly dismissed,” he said.

He criticised the ongoing delays in implementing court judgments, particularly noting the case at Ebonyi State University, where instead of reinstating a sacked colleague, the university is appealing the judgment.

Egbédòkun also expressed concern over the continued persecution of members at the FUTO and lamented the lack of funding at COOU, which he said was severely impacting the welfare of staff.

“We are aware of recent revelations about the individuals behind this victimisation, who are now facing consequences such as fears of arrest and reputational damage.

“The neglect of university funding, as seen in COOU, and the reluctance to address these issues is unacceptable, ”he said.

ASUU is calling on Governing Councils and Visitors to state universities to ensure proper application of institutional laws and to address any tyrannical behavior by Vice-Chancellors.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all dismissed members, prompt resolution of withheld promotions, and the release of unremitted third-party deductions,” Dr. Egbédòkun added. “These actions are essential for restoring peace and fostering a labor-friendly environment in Nigerian universities.”