Concerned LASU professors back sack of ASUU officials, others

Some concerned professors at the Lagos State University (LASU) have dismissed claims that the recent sack of some officials of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was an act of victimisation.

They insisted that the action was in order and in line with the rules governing the university.

Chairman, LASU policy advisory and conflict resolution committee, Prof. Martins Anetekhai, said the dismissal was a normal process the institution undergoes regularly to sanitise the system.

ASUU secretary, Dr Tony Dansu, his assistant, Dr Adeolu Oyekan and treasurer, Dr. Kemi Aboderin-Shonibare were recently sacked by the university for unlawful possession of official documents.

The embattled ASUU officials described their dismissal as an act of victimisation by the institution’s management.

But Prof Anetekhai while justifying the action said being a union member does not place one above the law.

“I made a lot of efforts by visiting them to resolve the issues and that they should know that a union leader is not above the law. The pronunciation of dismissal does not make it the end, they are free to appeal to the governing council or go to court.

Anetekhai enjoined ASUU officials in the institution to see reason and work with the management in moving the school to greater heights.

“Our current administration is a very rare breed of truth and sacrifice, so I appeal to media organisations to always support positivity about LASU,” he said.

Dean of Management Sciences, Prof. Babatunde Yusuf, said the university’s rules and condition of service clearly stipulate dismissal as the punishment for unlawful possession of documents.