ASUU seeks end to LASU, Kogi varsity crisis, recall of sacked members

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos zone yesterday said it was high time the crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU) and Kogi State University (KSU) came to an end.

The ASUU Lagos zone, which comprises Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, called for an independent panel of inquiry to look into the crisis at the institutions.

They specifically called on the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to step into the issue because to them, the crisis was capable of denting his government’s reputation.

The union spoke in Abeokuta at a press briefing where they expressed their concern over the lingering crisis in LASU and KSU.

Seven of LASU academic staff, including ASUU Chairman, Dr. Isaac Oyewumi and his vice, Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, were dismissed, a decision the union has challenged.

Coordinator of ASUU, Lagos zone, Prof. Olusiji Sowande also condemned the sacking of 150 academic staff at KSU, the proscription of ASUU activities in the institution and called for immediate reinstatement of the sacked teachers.

“The arrogant display of power and abuse of office by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, speaks volume about the extent to which political office holders could go to crush any perceived opposition.

“The continuous harassment, intimidation and witch-hunting of other members of ASUU, especially the executive with a view to decimating the union in LASU is not only unwarranted but unacceptable and will be resisted,” Sowande said.

Meanwhile, the Benin zone of ASUU, has condemned Governor Bello’s proscription of ASUU in the state owned university and called for the withdrawal of the purported sack of over 120 of its teaching comrades.