The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed alarm over the victimization of its members, highlighting wrongful terminations and the non-payment of 28 months’ salaries.
Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, the Zonal Coordinator, accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of targeting union members who opposed the awarding of a professorship to Dr. Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.
The zone also pointed out issues such as the unjust dismissal of over 120 members from Kogi State University for participating in a strike and ongoing disputes over unpaid salaries at Ambrose Alli University (AAU). Additionally, ASUU members from Lagos State University (LASU), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU) are facing similar problems, including unlawful suspensions, denied promotions, and withheld salaries.
Professor Oyegoke criticized certain university administrators and visitors for undermining the integrity of public universities. He called on traditional and religious leaders, media, labor movements, and civil society organizations to support the reinstatement of wrongfully dismissed members and end all forms of victimization. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”