The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has condemned in strong terms the alleged latest discoveries of illicit recruitment tactics by the management at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger State, thereby undermining the integrity of academic appointments.
The chairman of the FUT Minna branch of ASUU, Professor Gbolahan Bolarin, in a press statement made available to journalists in Minna, Niger State, noted with concern the university administration’s flagrant disregard for due process and infringement on university autonomy.
Bolarin claimed that there is manipulation in recruitment procedures aimed at reducing academic appointments into mere political instruments, which is becoming alarming and inappropriate.
He stated: ” For example, a senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, through his Senior Legislative Aide, SLA, proudly displayed in public the letters of employment of two individuals that benefited from the illegal recruitment process, which was captured as a constituency project.”
He explained that as a union of academics, its members are worried about the collusion between the university administration, politicians and staff of the Accountant General Office (IPPIS, to be specific) to undermine the integrity of academic appointments.
“Our Union posited that the Federal University of Technology Minna, just like other universities has been charged with safeguarding the ideals of academic independence, transparency and merit,” he argued.
The ASUU chairman urged all concerned to retrace their steps, to prevent avoidable disharmony in the university, adding that the union will not sit back and allow the university to be reduced to a glorified secondary school due to the quality of the academic staff.
” We are calling on the university management to prioritise adherence to predefined recruitment rules and respect for academic autonomy.
This illegal recruitment and interference with university autonomy at FUT Minna are reprehensible and must be addressed immediately.
“Some of these infractions are possible because of the lack of governing councils in federal universities, as a result of which many VCs are now hiding under approval and waiver from the Minister of Education and Head of Service to circumvent laid down rules and procedures, ” Prof. Bolarin insisted.
Furthermore, the statement called on the President to urgently reinstate governing councils on all campuses.
“We want to confirm our commitment to safeguarding academic staff’s interests and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian university system. The Union invites all the good people of Nigeria to join forces to protect the autonomy and reputation of our universities across the country,” he added.
ASUU condemns illicit recruitment in FUT Minna
