The Kano Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-Kano Zone) has condemned the alleged victimization of its members in several universities within the zone.
In a statement released on Friday in Kaduna, Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Zonal Coordinator, described the situation as a “gross violation” of university regulations. He expressed deep concern over the ongoing victimization, intimidation, harassment, and dehumanization faced by ASUU members, which he attributes to their insistence on upholding university rules and regulations.
Muhammad highlighted that these issues are predominantly inflicted by university administrations, sometimes with the explicit endorsement of Chairmen of Governing Councils and university Visitors. He pointed out that the victimization is notably severe at Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba, Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojoo, and Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Abakaliki, as well as Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Igbariam.
According to Muhammad, KSU alone has dismissed 120 ASUU members over the past seven years for advocating better working conditions, improved welfare, backlogged salary payments, and increased university funding. The affected members sought legal redress but faced unfavorable court rulings against them and in favor of the university.
Muhammad expressed particular distress over what he called a travesty of justice concerning the recent court decisions against ASUU members.