The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Calabar Zone, encompassing institutions such as Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, University of Calabar, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), and the University of Uyo, has staged a protest against the ongoing victimization of its members. The demonstration, held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, highlighted issues of unpaid entitlements, intimidation, and illegal dismissals affecting university lecturers.
In a statement released after the protest, the Union expressed deep concern over the plight of its members, who are reportedly owed several months’ salaries. The communiqué, titled “Lecturers’ Victimisation Day,” was signed by leading figures from the ASUU chapters across the Calabar Zone, including Comrades Happiness Uduk, Slessor Mbah, Inyang Udosen, Ikechuku Igwenyi, Patrick Ushi, Peter Ubi, and Opeyemi Olajide.
The communiqué condemned the ongoing harassment and victimization of ASUU members, particularly those at EBSU, Kogi State University, and Lagos State University. It accused university administrations of undermining the rights of lecturers and engaging in actions that adversely affect the quality of university education in Nigeria.
“We are here to show solidarity with our EBSU branch and protest the unwarranted victimisation of our members in the branch,” the statement read. “We are pained by the intimidation and victimisation of our members who are fighting for positive outcomes in Nigerian universities.”
The protest underscored the plight of the “KSU 120,” a group of 120 academic staff from Kogi State University who have been allegedly dismissed for participating in a legitimate strike action. These staff members have reportedly faced significant hardship, including eviction from their accommodations and the stoppage of their salaries. The Union mourned the loss of some members, who have died during this protracted struggle, and called for their reinstatement.
“The ‘KSU 120’ have endured untold hardship, including the truncation of professorial pursuits, evictions, and the stoppage of salaries and emoluments,” the communiqué stated. “We mourn our fallen heroes and pray that their embattled souls find rest in the bosom of our Lord.”
The ASUU Calabar Zone demanded that the sacked lecturers be reinstated immediately, as recommended by the White Paper of the Visitation Panel to KSU. The Union called on the Visitor to Kogi State University to address the issue urgently to restore peace and industrial harmony.
The protest also marked the declaration of “Victimised Lecturers’ Day,” which will be observed annually to spotlight and address issues of lecturer victimization and unfair treatment across Nigerian universities.
In a related development, ASUU criticized the administration’s management of public universities, urging a return to due process and fair treatment in university governance.
The protest by the ASUU Calabar Zone serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian university lecturers and their fight for justice and improved working conditions.
