The University of Uyo Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has granted a sum exceeding N1.7 million to 15 deserving students of the institution who exhibited outstanding performance in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the union honored past leaders who navigated challenging periods in the branch’s history with heroes’ awards.
These accolades were conferred during the Heroes’ Day Celebration hosted at the university on Monday. Prof Emmanuel Osadeke, the National President of ASUU, lauded the awardees for their unwavering commitment and selfless contributions to the union, despite the hurdles they encountered. He urged them to maintain their dedication to the cause.
Expressing concern, the ASUU president called upon both past and present union leaders to stand against the purported injustices perpetrated by vice-chancellors. He highlighted the alleged misuse of staff employment, characterizing it as ‘constituency projects’ by these leaders, involving the hiring of individuals without adhering to due process.
Furthermore, Prof Osadeke pointed out a troubling trend where universities haven’t publicly advertised vacancies for six to 10 years, yet the staff count has surged significantly. He emphasized that many of these new appointees lack a substantive role in the academic sphere.
“I must heartily congratulate all the heroes honoured today for the sacrifices they made to the point of termination of appointments, seizure of salaries, demotion among other travails for speaking truth to powers for the benefit of others.
“Before now, university employment was done through advertisement followed by rigorous interviews but now how do people get here? It is through temporary appointments. That’s the problem that we have today. I do not know of any university for the past six to 10 years that has advertised, but the staff strength has tripled.
“Vice-Chancellors just sat down somewhere and packed people from traditional rulers, governors, and all other politicians into the Nigerian universities as lecturers and most of them are now scavengers in the system, going after money and all manners of things.
“Unfortunately, university employment has turned into a constituency project and we have to struggle to reverse this misnomer and bring sanity to the system,” he said.
During his keynote address, retired Ethnocomunicology Professor Desmond Wilson lamented the challenges faced by the union, citing the interference of fifth columnists and government-hired agents aimed at causing confusion. While emphasizing that heroism should not condone misconduct, Professor Wilson urged all union members to uphold selflessness and dedication in their collective pursuit to improve Nigerian Universities and rescue them from their current predicaments.
Representing the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, Prof Ben Etuk commended ASUU for their altruistic service to humanity, highlighting the union’s significant contribution to the improved welfare of University staff.
In response, Ekpo Friday, a student beneficiary of the ASUU-UUB scholarship award from the Faculty of Education, expressed gratitude to the union for providing support to indigent students. He acknowledged that this gesture served as a morale booster, motivating students to focus on their studies and complete their University education with excellence.
Acting Chairperson Prof Opeyemi Olajide explained that the gesture aimed to support exceptional students across various faculties to successfully complete their studies.
Recognition was bestowed upon individuals for their selfless service, including Dr. Etop Ndiyo, Prof Desmond Wilson, Prof Edet Akpan, Prof Joseph Ushie, Prof Aniesua Essiet, and Prof Ashong Ashong.
