The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for an immediate halt to the persecution and victimization of its members at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, for their opposition to the “controversial promotion” of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, to the rank of professor. ASUU also condemned similar actions against its members in other universities for standing against irregularities and the disregard for due process.

In a statement signed by Professor Michael Ugwuene and Comrade Charles Osodeke, ASUU Chairperson and Secretary of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) chapter, the union criticized the withholding of salaries of some members in various universities. Institutions identified as having unjustly targeted union members include Lagos State University (LASU), Ambrose Ali University (AAU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), among others.

ASUU MOUAU expressed strong disapproval of the harassment and unfair treatment of its members in universities such as Kogi State University (KSU), FUTO, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), EBSU, LASU, and AAU, where members have been unjustly dismissed or had their salaries withheld without valid reasons. The union is particularly troubled by the prolonged delay in court rulings regarding the unlawful dismissal of members at KSU, a case that has dragged on for seven years, causing significant hardship for those affected.

ASUU further criticized the Vice Chancellor of FUTO and her associates for continuously persecuting members who opposed Dr. Pantami’s questionable promotion. The union condemned the exclusion of its leaders from attending official university meetings, labeling it as blatant victimization. It also lamented the suspension of members at COOU who challenged violations of academic standards, as well as the withholding of their salaries for up to 12 months. The administration at COOU has also shut down the union’s secretariat, preventing members from holding meetings, an act ASUU described as impunity and hooliganism.

The union also expressed concern over the situation at EBSU, where the university administration, rather than implementing a court ruling in favor of the union, has chosen to appeal the judgment, prolonging the legal battle. ASUU emphasized that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

Supporting the stance of its National Executive Council (NEC), ASUU MOUAU condemned the harmful actions of university administrations that subject members to inhumane treatment and persecution. The union commended the resilience of victimized lecturers, urging them to remain steadfast in the face of these challenges. It also called on university visitors and stakeholders to intervene and resolve these ongoing issues in the interest of peace. ASUU reaffirmed its solidarity with all persecuted members, declaring that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”