The Kano Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly condemned what it describes as the victimization of its members in several universities across Nigeria. The Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad, issued a statement on Friday in Kaduna, denouncing the alleged harassment and intimidation faced by ASUU members, which he claims is a gross violation of university regulations.
Prof. Muhammad expressed deep disillusionment over the persistent victimization, intimidation, and dehumanization of ASUU members who, he asserts, are being targeted for their insistence on adhering to university rules and due process. He criticized university administrations and, in some cases, the chairpersons of governing councils and visitors of the affected institutions for their role in perpetuating these injustices.
The ASUU Kano Zone has particularly highlighted severe cases of mistreatment at several institutions:
- Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba: Muhammad reported that 120 ASUU members have been dismissed over the past seven years. These members were allegedly fired for advocating better working conditions, improved welfare, payment of overdue salaries, and increased funding for the university. Despite seeking legal redress, the court ruled against the affected members, further aggravating the situation.
- Lagos State University (LASU), Ojoo: The union alleged that the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ASUU in LASU were dismissed in September 2017 for enforcing strict adherence to due process. In September 2019, additional dismissals occurred, targeting the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of ASUU for challenging a wrongful promotion and the Treasurer for demanding proper documentation of her promotion.
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki: The previous Chairperson, Ndubuisi Idenyi, was reportedly suspended for organizing a meeting of ASUU’s Ethics, Grievances, Conflict, and Crisis Management Committee. Additionally, Branch Chairperson Ikecheku Igwenyi was suspended for convening an online meeting to communicate resolutions from the union’s National Executive Council. The university allegedly denied Igwenyi’s promotion to the professorial cadre and banned union activities on campus, which Muhammad argued infringes on the right to freedom of association guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
Prof. Muhammad criticized the broader pattern of dehumanization, non-payment of backlogged salaries, denial of promotions, and denial of freedom of assembly and association. He urged university administrations, governing councils, and visitors to adhere to university laws and cease the victimization of ASUU members. He called for the reinstatement of all unjustly dismissed or suspended members and urged authorities to respect the rights and freedoms of academic staff.
The ASUU Kano Zone’s condemnation reflects broader concerns about the treatment of academic staff in Nigerian universities, emphasizing the need for justice and adherence to due process within academic institutions.
NAN
