Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nnamdi Azikiwe University chapter has taken a stand against the unjust persecution of academic staff members in various Nigerian universities.
During a press conference at the ASUU Secretariat in NAU, Awka, the chairperson, Comrade Kingsley Ubaoji, declared September 10 as Victimised Lecturers’ Day to show solidarity with colleagues facing victimisation.
Comrade Ubaoji expressed disappointment at the lack of action by the university visitors to address the crisis within university administrations and the ongoing victimisation of lecturers.
He specifically mentioned institutions such as Kogi State University (KSU), Anyingba; Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki; Lagos State University (LASU), Ojoo; Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma; Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO); and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, where ASUU members are enduring unjust treatment.
“The day has been designated to stand in solidarity with persecuted members nationwide, recognising their struggles and advocating for justice.
“ASUU-NAU is committed to continuing the fight on behalf of its members and calls on all stakeholders to support the demand for fairness and justice for academic staff in Nigerian universities.”
The statement emphasises ASUU’s belief in the fundamental rights of workers to engage in industrial action for better working conditions, a right protected under national and international labour laws.
The union condemned the exploitation and victimisation of lecturers and emphasises the need to address and prevent such injustices within the academic sector.
ASUU-NAU expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of university visitors to address the management crises and victimisation of lecturers in various public universities.
The union called for an end to the prolonged injustice suffered by its members, including illegal termination of appointments, salary withholdings, denial of promotions, and other oppressive treatments.
Noting the specific instances of injustice faced by ASUU members at different institutions, it called for immediate action to address the issues.
ASUU said it remains dedicated to fighting for the rights and well-being of its members until justice prevails and the victimisation of lecturers comes to an end.
