By Praise Chinecherem
Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday protested what it called government insensitivity to plight of university lecturers.
The lecturers who converged on the ASUU-NAU secretariat, moved round the university, chanting protest songs and showing solidarity with their colleagues being subjected to various forms of inhumane treatment.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the protest, the ASUU-NAU Chairperson, Comrade Kingsley Ubaorji said the Union declared September 10 2024 as “Victimized Lecturers’ Day” in solidarity with colleagues unjustly persecuted in various Nigerian universities.
He specifically mentioned institutions like 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 continue to suffer unjustly.
He said ASUU firmly believed that workers had the fundamental right to embark on industrial action to press for better working conditions.
While pledging ASUU’s resolve to continue the fight for its members until justice was served, Ubaoji called on all stakeholders to join ASUU in demanding justice and fairness for academic staff in Nigerian universities.
“The unchecked tyranny of certain Vice-Chancellors must be curtailed to protect academic freedom and labor rights in our universities.
“This day is, therefore, dedicated to standing in solidarity with our persecuted members across the nation, recognizing their struggles, and calling for justice.
“We stand firm in our belief that the plight of victimized lecturers must end. We shall continue to fight for our members until justice is served,” he said.
