LunagisthubASUU Demands Yuguda’s Resignation Over Threats to University Autonomy
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the immediate resignation of Isa Yuguda as Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) over remarks deemed threatening to university autonomy and professors. Yuguda, a former Bauchi State Governor, allegedly made disparaging comments about academics during a National Assembly public hearing on a bill to convert Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) from a university of technology to a conventional university .
According to ASUU, Yuguda was quoted as saying that “any person who is against turning the University into a conventional University is a criminal.” He also allegedly exclaimed, “Who the hell are professors for goodness sake!” These remarks have been described as unacceptable, contemptuous, and a threat to intellectual freedom .
ASUU demands that Yuguda publicly apologize for his remarks and resign from his position as NOUN Pro-Chancellor. The union argues that Yuguda’s conduct raises serious concerns about his competence, integrity, and commitment to nation-building and national security .
The incident highlights the importance of respecting university autonomy and intellectual freedom. ASUU’s demands are aimed at protecting the rights of academics to express their opinions without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by academics and stakeholders in the education sector. Will Yuguda apologize and resign, or will ASUU’s demands be ignored?.
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