We are being victimized says ASUU

The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarms about the mistreatment of over 200 members, including wrongful terminations and unpaid salaries totaling 28 months.

At a press conference, ASUU Zonal Coordinator Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of targeting union members for opposing the appointment of Dr. Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, to professorship.

Professor Oyegoke criticized university administrators and visitors for undermining the integrity of public universities. He expressed concerns about similar issues at Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), including unlawful suspensions, denied promotions, and withheld salaries for advocating for legal and autonomous university governance.

He highlighted that, despite a recommendation from a Visitation Panel for reinstatement, unresolved issues persist after seven years. In Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), the branch secretariat is reportedly locked, preventing congress meetings, with salaries withheld for up to 12 months. In Ebonyi State University, the administration is appealing a court ruling in favor of the affected members instead of implementing it.

The union is urging opinion leaders, traditional and religious figures, media, labor groups, student organizations, and civil society to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of unjustly dismissed members and to stop all forms of victimization.