Fatshimetrie: Tyranny of Vice Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria
The tyranny of Vice Chancellors in Nigerian State Universities is a matter of deep concern to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). ASUU recently called on state governors as well as governing councils of state universities to take steps to check acts of tyranny by Vice Chancellors.
In a statement issued by the ASUU Akure Zone Coordinator, Dr. Adeola Ẹgbẹdokun, it was stressed that governors and governing councils must curb the abuses of Vice Chancellors who run state universities.
ASUU has expressed concern over the victimization of its members at Lagos State University (LASU), Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma (AAUE), Kogi State University (KSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka (COOU), for engaging in union activities.
Members of ASUU have been unfairly dismissed, denied promotion, denied salaries for several months and denied third party deductions for engaging in union activities. It is crucial to note that members are being retaliated against for being diligent in the execution of their duties.
ASUU is particularly concerned over what it considers to be a violation of justice in the judgment delivered against its members at Kogi State University, Anyigba, after seven years of waiting; and the protracted court proceedings against its colleagues who were illegally dismissed from Lagos State University for over five years. The Union is also dissatisfied with the developments at EBSU where instead of implementing the court judgment and reinstating its dismissed colleague, the University prefers to challenge the judgment. Furthermore, it is surprised by the continued persecution of its members at FUTO.
ASUU calls on state actors to take decisive steps to resolve all lingering crises, give new impetus to the university system and restore peace. It is incomprehensible to the Union that states neglect the funding of their universities as is the case at COOU where funds are not being released, thereby compromising the welfare of its members.
In conclusion, ASUU calls on the Governing Councils and Visitors of State Universities to take special interest in the implementation of the laws governing their respective institutions and ensure that the tyrannical tendencies of some Vice Chancellors are contained. The Union demands that all dismissed members be reinstated immediately and unconditionally, that the withheld promotion cases and unremitted third party deductions be released without delay.. This is the path of honour, a healthy path to restore peace and promote a harmonious working climate in Nigerian universities.