From Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSU), has condemned the victimization of her union members in some public universities in Nigeria.
Dr. Joshua Mbave, the university ASUU chairman in a press release in Jalingo, noted that the trend was becoming a threat to academic freedom and institutional integrity.
He called on the State Governments, the governing councils of those institutions, and the relevant stakeholders in the education sector to immediately intervene and put an end to such wave of victimization.
Dr. Mbave, while calling for the immediate reinstatement of the wrongfully dismissed members, informed the university management to desist from using their positions to oppress and suppress staff members who stand for academic integrity and fairness. Just as he said the autonomy of universities must be respected.
The ASUU chairman cautioned that the union would be left with no other option than to explore all available avenues to ensure justice, if the universities failed to reinstate and pay the union members all their benefits and entitlements.
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University Jalingo, wishes to express its deep concern and condemnation of the ongoing intimidation and victimization of its members in several public universities across the country. A worrying trend that threatens academic freedom and institutional integrity.
“Our members are being subjected to harassment, unjust sanctions, and repressive measures by university managements in various institutions.
“Among the universities where our members are being victimized are, Lagos State University (LASU), OjoKogi State University (KSU), AnyigbaEbonyi State University (EBSU), AbakalikiAmbrose Alli University, EkpomaChukwuemeka Odumegwu University (COOU) and Igbariam Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.
“The victimization of our members in these universities has taken various forms, including threats of dismissal, unjust suspension, denial of due promotions, withholding of salaries, and even outright termination of appointments without due process. This is unacceptable in any academic environment, as it undermines the core principles of academic freedom, fairness, and institutional governance.
“ASUU Taraba university chapter unequivocally condemns these acts of intimidation and reminds the authorities in these universities that the strength of any academic institution lies in its ability to foster a free and independent intellectual environment. The harassment of our members, who are only fulfilling their academic and union obligations is a gross violation of their rights and an affront to the educational system.
“Our members were wrongfully dismissed based on fabricated allegations meant to punish them for standing up for their rights and the integrity of the academic profession. In cases where they have pursued justice through the courts and secured victories, the affected institutions have flagrantly ignored court orders.
“These universities have refused to reinstate our members and continue to withhold their rightful benefits, including salaries and promotions that have accrued during their unlawful dismissal.
“We call on the State Governments, the governing councils of these institutions, and relevant stakeholders in the education sector to immediately intervene and put an end to this wave of victimization. The autonomy of universities must be respected, and university managements should desist from using their positions to oppress and suppress staff members who stand for academic integrity and fairness.
“We hereby demand that our members should be reinstated without further delay, and they must receive all benefits and entitlements owed to them. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to explore all available avenues to ensure justice is served”, the university ASUU threatened.
