Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Taraba State University in Jalingo has strongly condemned the ongoing victimisation of its members in various public universities across Nigeria.
In a press release issued by the union’s chairman, Dr Joshua Mbave, the union expressed deep concern and disappointment over the increasing trend of intimidation and harassment of its members by university managements.
“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,” Mbave said.
Mbave described the situation as a serious threat to academic freedom and institutional integrity, emphasizing that the actions of the university managements are unacceptable and violate the core principles of academic independence and fairness.
“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), Ojo, Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University (COOU) and Igbariam, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri,” Dr. Mbave added.
According to Dr. Mbave, the victimisation of ASUU members 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.
“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,” Mbave said.
The union chairman demanded immediate action from the state governments, governing councils, and relevant stakeholders to intervene and put an end to the victimization. He called for the reinstatement of wrongfully dismissed members and an end to the use of positions to oppress staff who stand for academic integrity.
“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,” Mbave said.
Mbave warned that if the universities fail to reinstate and pay the union members their benefits and entitlements, ASUU would be left with no choice but to explore all available avenues to ensure justice is served.
“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,” Mbave warned.
