The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced strong opposition to the recent dismissal of five of its members from various Nigerian universities, including Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU). The union, through its Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) chapter in Okitipupa, Ondo State, condemned the action as unjust and in violation of due process. The OAUSTECH ASUU Chairman, Dr. Rotimi Olorunisola, shared the union’s concerns with journalists during a press briefing, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Dr. Olorunisola emphasized that the affected lecturers were dismissed in what he described as an “illegal” manner by the governing councils of the respective universities. According to him, the governing bodies did not follow the proper procedures required for terminating the contracts of academic staff, and in doing so, they violated the rights of the lecturers. He labeled the dismissals as not only an attack on the autonomy of the academic profession but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the principles that govern academic freedom and fairness in Nigerian higher education.
“The actions of these institutions are not just a violation of the due process required for the termination of academic staff, but they also represent an assault on the autonomy of the academic profession,” Olorunisola stated. “It is unacceptable that lecturers, who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and nation-building, should be treated with such disdain by their institutions.”
ASUU has always been at the forefront of advocating for the protection of academic freedom and the rights of university staff. Academic freedom is essential for the growth and development of universities, as it allows scholars to research, teach, and publish without fear of unjust retribution. The sackings of these lecturers, according to Dr. Olorunisola, are a clear attempt to silence individuals who work tirelessly to uphold the high standards of education in Nigeria.
These actions are seen by ASUU as a violation of the labour laws governing university employment, as well as a breach of the statutes that protect the rights of academic staff. “The governing councils have acted in direct contravention of established labour laws, university statutes, and the principles of natural justice,” Olorunisola said. He stressed that ASUU would not sit idly by while its members are unlawfully victimized.
The union has called for the immediate reinstatement of the wrongfully dismissed lecturers, urging the Federal Government, state authorities, and other stakeholders in the education sector to intervene. Dr. Olorunisola warned that failure to address these injustices would have far-reaching consequences for the Nigerian education system. ASUU believes that if actions like these are allowed to continue unchecked, they will set a dangerous precedent that could erode the foundations of academic independence across the country.
“ASUU will not stand idly by while our members are unlawfully victimized and their rights trampled upon,” Olorunisola declared. “We categorically state that these sackings are illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of power. We demand the immediate reinstatement of all lecturers wrongfully dismissed, and we call on the Federal Government, state authorities, and all stakeholders in the education sector to intervene swiftly to correct this grave injustice.”
The issue of the wrongful dismissal of lecturers has broader implications for the Nigerian education sector as a whole. ASUU has long been concerned about the declining state of tertiary education in Nigeria, and this incident is seen as yet another example of how the system is failing to protect the rights of its educators. The union believes that for Nigeria to achieve its educational goals and improve its global standing in academic excellence, it must ensure that its academic professionals are treated with respect and fairness.
The autonomy of universities is a critical component of a functioning and progressive education system. When universities are allowed to make arbitrary decisions without following due process, it weakens the entire structure of the educational system. It also sends a message that the contributions of lecturers and academic staff are undervalued, which could discourage talented individuals from pursuing careers in academia.
ASUU has also raised concerns about the legality of the dismissals, pointing out that they are a violation of both national and international labour laws. Dr. Olorunisola noted that under Nigerian law, university lecturers, like all other employees, are entitled to fair treatment and must not be dismissed without just cause. Additionally, international labour standards, as outlined by organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO), stress the importance of protecting workers from unfair dismissal and ensuring that they have access to due process.
The dismissals also raise ethical questions about how universities handle disciplinary actions. ASUU has argued that universities must adhere to transparent and fair processes when dealing with issues concerning their staff. Dismissing lecturers without giving them the opportunity to defend themselves or without following the proper legal channels sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of the academic profession.
ASUU is calling on the Federal Government and state governments to take immediate action to address the issue. The union believes that only a decisive intervention can restore confidence in the education system and ensure that the rights of lecturers are protected. By intervening, the government can also send a strong message to other universities that such actions will not be tolerated.
Dr. Olorunisola stated that ASUU is prepared to take all necessary actions to ensure that the dismissed lecturers are reinstated and that their rights are protected. This could include legal action against the universities involved, as well as broader industrial actions if necessary.
“We will not hesitate to take legal steps to protect our members, and we are also considering broader industrial actions if these universities do not reverse their decisions,” Olorunisola warned.
The sacking of five lecturers from various Nigerian universities has sparked outrage within ASUU and the broader academic community. The union has condemned the actions of the governing councils at LASU, KSU, and EBSU, describing the dismissals as illegal and a violation of due process. ASUU has called for the immediate reinstatement of the lecturers and is urging the government to intervene to prevent further damage to the Nigerian education system.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian universities, particularly in terms of academic freedom and the protection of staff rights. It also underscores the need for stronger legal protections and accountability mechanisms to ensure that universities follow proper procedures when dealing with their staff.
As ASUU continues to fight for the rights of its members, it is clear that this issue will have significant implications for the future of higher education in Nigeria.
