The Taraba state branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has called on governing councils, educational authorities, and key stakeholders in the education sector to urgently address and halt the rising wave of victimization against academic staff across universities in Nigeria.
Making the call yesterday in a statement made available to journalists in Taraba, the chairman of the union, Dr. Joshua Mbave, expressed concern at the way and manner at which the trend has continued to be on the increase.
Emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure a conducive working environment for educators and prevent further harm to the academic community, the incessant victimization of the academic staff across the country, according to him, have begun to threaten academic freedom and institutional integrity.
While calling for the immediate reinstatement of the wrongfully dismissed members, he informed the university managements to desist from using their positions to oppress and suppress staff members who stand for academic integrity and fairness.
He cautioned that the union would be left with no other option but to explore all available avenues to ensure justice, if the universities failed to reinstate and pay the union members all their benefits and entitlements.
“Our members are being subjected to harassment, unjust sanctions, and repressive measures by university managements in various institutions.
Among the universities where he alleged that the union members are being victimized are, Lagos State University , LASU, Kogi State University, KSU, Anyigba, Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University ,COOU, to mention but just a few.
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“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.” He stated.
The action which according to him, undermines the core principles of academic freedom, fairness, and institutional governance, he said is unacceptable in any academic environment.
“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.
Adding that, “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.”
He called on the state governments, the governing councils of the aforementioned universities and relevant stakeholders in the education sector to immediately intervene and put an end to this wave of victimization.
Stating that 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.
