Daily Independent Online.
*
Monday,July 19, 2004.
Highhandedness of UNIUYO authorities
Kindly allow me some space in your widely circulated
newspaper to air my views concerning certain goings-on in the University of
Uyo. It is on record that whenever the Academic Staff Union of Universities
(ASUU) embarks on strike, as was in the not-too-distant past, the Federal
Government usually exhibits maturity in handling the situation as evidenced by
the series of dialogue and subtle persuasion to lure the striking lectures back
to the lecture halls.
For their part, the authorities of most Nigerian
universities usually employ draconian measures such as threats, victimisation,
suspension and, in extreme cases, dismissal, in an attempt to stampede the
striking lecturers into submission. Matter-of-factly, this is unhealthy and
quite unwarranted in a democracy.
In the light of
the foregoing, the shenanigans,cock-eyed schemes and administrative
recklessness in 'UNIUYO' readily come to mind. Professor Akpan M. Ekpo, the
Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, comes across to me as a true scholar,
an epitome of erudition and above all, a fine gentleman. But he lacks one very
important quality - the ability to exercise power with restraint.
Recently, two
lecturers who dared to speak out against perceived official corruption in the
University, were relieved of their duties by the University authorities. The
two lecturers, Dr E.P. Akpan (former ASUU Chairman,UNIUYO branch) and Dr Inih
Ebong, were of the Department of Mathematics and Theatre Arts, respectively.
Quite unlike civilised institutions, the authorities ignored
a Federal High Court injunction and still went ahead to sack Dr Akpan from his
job. This singular action speaks volumes of Professor Ekpo's disrespect for the
rule of law and due process and his inability to accommodate opposing views.
Finally,
I wish to use this medium to call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
President, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, the National Universities Commission (NUC),
ASUU'S national secretariat and all well-meaning Nigerians, to condemn the
actions of the University of Uyo authorities and also impress on the Vice
Chancellor the need to retrace his steps, recall the sacked lecturers, and
restore a liberal academic atmosphere in the University.
Isaac Ime Inwang
Dept. Of sociology/anthropology
imo state university owerri.
