The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has recently explained its silence on the ongoing crisis surrounding the appointment of a new vice chancellor at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA). Known for its active role in university administration issues, especially the appointment of vice chancellors in federal institutions, ASUU’s lack of public comment on the matter has raised questions.
In previous instances, such as the controversy surrounding the vice chancellorship appointment at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, ASUU has been outspoken, often stepping in to defend the interests of its members and the integrity of the university system. However, the union’s current stance on the UNIABUJA crisis has been markedly different, leading to public speculation about its position.
In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, shed light on the reasons behind the union’s cautious approach. According to Osodeke, the union is not indifferent to the situation at UNIABUJA, but is taking a more measured approach. He explained that ASUU is currently gathering all relevant information about the crisis, looking at every angle to ensure that they have a full and accurate understanding of the issue before making any public pronouncements.
“ASUU acts only on facts,” Osodeke emphasized. “We are still looking at all sides to obtain accurate facts before we make a public statement on the matter. We believe it is important to understand all perspectives before taking any action or making a public comment on sensitive matters like this.”
This approach reflects ASUU’s commitment to ensuring that its actions are based on solid, verifiable information. The union has long been known for advocating for transparency, fairness, and integrity in the management of Nigerian universities, and Osodeke’s comments indicate that ASUU is working to ensure that any stance they take on the UNIABUJA crisis is well-informed and backed by reliable facts.
The ongoing leadership crisis at UNIABUJA has drawn significant attention, especially since the appointment of a new vice chancellor has the potential to affect the future direction of the university. The union’s careful investigation into the matter may stem from the complex nature of the issue, which involves various stakeholders and factors that require thorough evaluation.
ASUU’s decision to withhold a public statement also speaks to its broader strategy of being a responsible and fact-driven organization. By waiting until all the relevant information has been gathered, ASUU aims to avoid contributing to any misinformation or speculation surrounding the crisis.
While some have criticized ASUU for not taking a more vocal stance, the union’s president reassured the public that their approach is motivated by a desire to ensure that any statement made would be based on accurate facts and contribute meaningfully to the resolution of the issue.
“As a union, we are deeply concerned about the leadership crisis at UNIABUJA, but we are committed to ensuring that any actions or statements we make are grounded in facts. We are in the process of gathering those facts and will address the situation appropriately once we have all the necessary information,” Osodeke concluded.
This explanation from ASUU may help clarify their position, but it also underscores the importance of careful deliberation in university governance matters. As the situation at UNIABUJA continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the union will respond once their investigation is complete.