The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over the victimization of more than 200 of its members, citing unjust dismissals and the withholding of 28 months of unpaid salaries.
At a press conference, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), of targeting union members who opposed the appointment of Dr. Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, as a professor.
Professor Oyegoke expressed concern over the treatment of union members across universities, including Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), where members have faced suspensions, denial of promotions, and withheld salaries for advocating for university autonomy and the rule of law.
He highlighted that despite a Visitation Panel recommending reinstatement, the issue remains unresolved for seven years, and union activities have been hindered in institutions like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), where members’ meetings are blocked, and salaries have been withheld for up to 12 months.
ASUU is calling on traditional and religious leaders, media, student groups, and civil society organizations to advocate for the reinstatement of dismissed members and an end to victimization across Nigerian universities.