By Adeola Badru

The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has raised concerns regarding the victimization of over 200 of its members, citing unjust terminations and the refusal to pay owed salaries amounting to 28 months.

In a press conference held on Sunday, the Zonal Coordinator, Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of targeting union members for opposing the awarding of a professorship to former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami.

Professor Oyegoke emphasised that the ongoing attacks on the integrity of Nigerian public universities are being perpetuated by some elements within the Nigerian state, particularly university administrators and visitors.

The Ibadan Zone, which includes institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and Kwara State University, highlighted the plight of over 120 union members who were unjustly dismissed from Kogi State University for participating in a strike.

Additionally, ASUU members from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) are demanding justice for 28 months of unpaid salaries and are opposing amendments to their Conditions of Service by a Special Intervention Team.

The union, however, expressed deep concern over the treatment of its members at various universities, including Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU).

Professor Oyegoke noted that members have faced unlawful suspensions, denial of promotions, and withheld salaries for advocating for the rule of law and university autonomy.

He recalled that at LASU, five union leaders were dismissed on what the union described as baseless charges.

“Despite a Visitation Panel’s recommendation for their reinstatement, the situation remains unresolved after seven years.”

“In Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), the branch secretariat is reportedly locked, preventing members from holding congress meetings, while salaries have been withheld for up to 12 months.”

“Similarly, in Ebonyi State University, the administration is appealing a court judgment favoring victimized members instead of implementing it.”

“The union is calling on opinion leaders, traditional and religious figures, media, labor movements, student groups, and civil society organizations to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of wrongfully dismissed members and to halt all forms of victimization.”

Professor Oyegoke then urged full adherence to the rule of law, stating, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”