The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared September 10, 2024, as Victimized Lecturers’ Day, to raise awareness about the plight of lecturers in public universities across Nigeria.
This announcement was made by ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, during a press briefing at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Osodeke highlighted the challenges faced by lecturers, including terminated appointments, withheld salaries, and denied promotions, citing instances in Kogi State University, Ebonyi State University, Lagos State University, and others.
ASUU demands an end to the victimization of its members, particularly in Federal University of Technology Owerri, where lecturers were penalized for rejecting the conferment of a professorship title on former Minister Isah Pantami.
The union reiterates its call for the Federal government to address outstanding issues, including the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of earned academic allowances, and the release of withheld salaries.
ASUU also demands an end to illegal retirements, the proliferation of public universities, and the abuse of university laws, as well as the removal of universities from the Single Treasury Account and the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System.
The union warns that if these issues are not addressed within the 21-day ultimatum, it will take appropriate action.
