ASUU-UI trains over 500 new members, seeks full implementation of revitalisation agreement 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI), has restated calls on the federal government to fully implement all outstanding agreements with ASUU, including financial and non-financial commitments.

The Chairperson of ASUU-UI, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, said this in Ibadan on Tuesday during the orientation programme for 500 recently employed academic staff of the institution.

The event also had in attendance employed academic staff members who were not acquainted with the union’s principles and university regulations

The ASUU chairman also called for greater university autonomy and increased access to research grants to boost innovation, publication output and global ranking of Nigerian universities.

According to him, Nigeria has the capacity to place many universities among the top-ranked institutions in Africa if the right support is provided.

Afolabi said that the programme was designed to expose participants to the ethics, responsibilities and expectations of academic staff members.

According to him, the training also covers introduction to the university staff handbook, members’ primary assignments of teaching, research and community service, as well as conduct expected of lecturers.

He warned members against acts of misconduct such as examination malpractice and sexual harassment, stressing that the union would not shield erring members.

“Any member found culpable will face the union’s ethics committee, while the university authorities may also apply appropriate sanctions, including dismissal,” Afolabi said.

The ASUU chairperson said lecturers’ career progression depended heavily on quality research output and publications in reputable local and international journals.

He added that the orientation would help new staff members begin their academic careers on a strong footing.

Afolabi commended the Federal Government for recent improvements in allowances for university workers, describing it as a positive step after many years of stagnant pay.

Speaking on staffing challenges, Afolabi said the newly recruited lecturers were welcome, but insufficient to meet the manpower needs of the university system.

According to him, retirements, deaths and migration of academics abroad had continued to create vacancies that required continuous replacement.

He said that many Nigerian scholars in the diaspora were excelling globally, “a development that reflects the quality of local academic training.”

The ASUU chairman said that government must create a conducive environment to retain talents through improved remuneration, modern teaching facilities and better research support.

Also, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Ibadan Zone, Dr Biodun Olaniran, charged the new lecturers to embrace teaching, research and unionism as core of the academic profession.

Olaniran said, “lecturers must regard teaching as a sacred duty by helping students to think critically rather than merely preparing them to pass examinations.”

He also urged them to pursue research that addresses Nigeria’s developmental challenges, including healthcare, food security and energy needs.

According to him, collective action and active participation in union activities remain essential to protecting the welfare of academics and safeguarding the university system from further decline.

He assured the new staff members that the leadership of ASUU in the zone would continue to monitor their welfare and provide guidance when necessary.

The orientation programme also featured other ASUU union leaders who spoke on ethics, welfare and functions as well as structure of the union. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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