ASUU Demands Reinstatement of Dismissed LASU Lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the immediate reinstatement of lecturers dismissed by Lagos State University (LASU). This demand follows a National Executive Council meeting held on August 17-18 at the University of Ibadan.

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke criticized the prolonged court proceedings affecting the affected members, which he claims have caused significant hardship. He urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to act on his previous commitment to address the issue.

The dismissed lecturers, including ASUU-LASU executives Dr. Isaac Akinloye Oyewumi, Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, Dr. Anthony Dansu, Dr. Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan, and Dr. Oluwakemi Adebisi Aboderin-Shonibare, were initially cleared of all charges in February 2022. Despite this, their reinstatement was delayed by the governing council of LASU.

Residents of Ikoga-Zebbe had previously protested against the dismissals, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene. Osodeke also expressed frustration over the Lagos State government's delay in releasing a white paper on the LASU visitation panel’s findings, accusing the government of maintaining a troubling silence on the issue.

The union plans to observe September 10 as "Victimized Lecturers’ Day" to show solidarity with affected members across Nigerian universities. ASUU also highlighted broader concerns about the quality of life in Nigeria, calling on governments to prioritize the welfare and security of citizens.