The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has come forward to strongly condemn alleged illicit recruitment tactics employed by the university management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
This condemnable act, according to ASUU, undermines the integrity of academic appointments and raises concerns about political interference in academic affairs.
Chairman of ASUU’s FUT Minna branch, Professor Gbolahan Bolarin, issued a press statement denouncing the university administration’s flagrant disregard for due process and encroachment on university autonomy.
Bolarin highlighted the discovery of manipulation in recruitment procedures aimed at transforming academic appointments into mere political tools, a trend that he deemed alarming and unacceptable.
He cited specific instances where letters of employment for two individuals, obtained through this illegal recruitment process, were publicly displayed by a senator representing Niger East Senatorial District via his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) as part of a constituency project.
The union expressed deep concerns over the collaboration between the university administration, politicians, and staff of the Accountant General’s Office (IPPIS) to compromise the integrity of academic appointments.
ASUU emphasized that universities like FUT Minna are entrusted with upholding academic independence, transparency, and merit in all recruitment processes.
Bolarin urged all parties involved to reconsider their actions to prevent further disharmony within the university community. He stressed that ASUU would not tolerate any attempts to diminish the university’s standing by compromising the quality of academic staff.
The ASUU chairman called upon the university management to prioritize adherence to established recruitment guidelines and respect for academic autonomy.
He highlighted the absence of governing councils in federal universities as a contributing factor, allowing some Vice-Chancellors to exploit loopholes under the guise of approvals and waivers from the Minister of Education and Head of Service.
ASUU’s statement concluded with a plea to the President to urgently reinstate governing councils across all university campuses. The union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of academic staff and preserving the integrity of the Nigerian university system.
