CONCERNED with what it refers to as stifling of unionism and academic freedom by authorities at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter, has warned it’s members against taking part in external supervision of academic activities at the former.
The chairman of ASUU, UNILAG chapter, Dr. Adelaja Odukoya, said this, recently, in an interview with The Guardian Campusnews.
He noted that the directive came from the national body. He said that the plight of lecturers in UNILORIN called for such harsh measures, as the pro-ASUU members of staff are being victimised and denied freedom to assemble. He noted that the UNILORIN and ASUU have been in a running battle over the infamous Ilorin-44, which saw lecturers that sided with the union, victimised by the school.
He added that though the issue culminated in a court ruling that abrogated the local-ASUU in Ilorin, academic life has never remained the same in the school.
Noting that the Union has pronounced sanctions on the local-ASUU in UNILORIN at its meetings in Abuja and Jos in December and April respectively, the directive has not been thoroughly followed, which has necessitated strict, far-reaching measures to curb the development.
In a letter to ASUU-UNILAG members, Odukoya said, “Intellectual life in UNILORIN remains endangered by the garrison tactics of the university.
Refuse to be complicit in the violation of the rights of academics. Don’t give in to sentiments. Don’t fall for their financial baits. “ASUU NEC has re-enacted sanctions on UNILORIN. Violation of the boycott would result in the sanction of the member and his or her institution. Uphold ASUU-UNILAG collective integrity.”
