ASUU Demands End to Victimisation of Members in FUTO, LASU, and Other Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for an immediate halt to the victimisation of its members at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) by the Vice Chancellor. The union alleges that the persecution is linked to the members’ opposition to the controversial promotion of the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami, to the rank of Professor.

In a statement signed by Professor Michael Ugwuene and Comrade Charles Osodeke, ASUU leaders from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), the union also condemned similar cases of victimisation happening in other universities. The statement noted that ASUU members in universities such as Lagos State University (LASU), Ambrose Ali University (AAU) in Ekpoma, and Ebonyi State University (EBSU) have been facing unjust treatment for standing against irregularities and the abuse of due process.

Withholding of Salaries and Unjust Dismissals

The union highlighted incidents where salaries of members have been withheld, particularly in institutions like Kogi State University (KSU) Anyimgba, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, and FUTO. ASUU expressed concerns over the prolonged court case regarding the illegal dismissal of its members at KSU, which has left them in hardship for over seven years.

ASUU also condemned the FUTO administration for barring union leaders from attending statutory Senate and University Committee meetings, describing these actions as clear cases of intimidation and victimisation.

Calls for Justice and Action

In addition to addressing the issues at FUTO, the union criticized the continued appeal of a court judgment in favour of ASUU members at EBSU instead of implementing the verdict. The statement reiterated that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

ASUU urged the National Executive Council (NEC) to intervene and condemned the treatment of its members across various institutions, urging the affected lecturers to remain steadfast. The union also called on university Visitors and stakeholders to step in and resolve the ongoing conflicts in the interest of peace and justice.

The statement ended with ASUU reaffirming its solidarity with its persecuted members, emphasizing that “injury to one is an injury to all.”