FUOYE PROGRESSIVE GROUP (FPG) BEMOANS THE ACTION OF SOME UNIONS
FUOYE PROGRESSIVE GROUP (FPG) BEMOANS THE ACTION OF SOME STAFF UNIONS
27.11.2024|Akin Akinsoluga
The decision of the staff unions at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) including the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), some rebel members of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to defend the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, against allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mismanagement has sparked widespread disappointment and concern. FPG including stakeholders within the academic community, have expressed dismay at what they perceive as a hasty and partial stance by the unions.
FPG argues that staff unions, traditionally regarded as champions of accountability and fairness, should prioritize transparency and impartiality in their responses to serious allegations. By outrightly defending the Vice-Chancellor without awaiting the conclusion of investigations, NASU, CONUA, and NAAT risk undermining their credibility and compromising their role as watchdogs of institutional integrity.
Sexual harassment and intimidation allegations, in particular, require sensitivity and a commitment to justice for all parties involved. The unions’ position, perceived by some as an attempt to trivialize these claims, has been labeled disheartening by those advocating for a fair and thorough investigation. It suggests a failure to adequately protect the interests of staff and students who may be affected by such allegations.
The unions’ public defense has reportedly left some university employees and stakeholders feeling unsupported and silenced. This could deter potential victims of harassment or misconduct from coming forward, fearing that their concerns may be dismissed or met with institutional resistance.
Furthermore, the unions’ stance may contribute to a growing perception that university leadership and its affiliated bodies are more concerned with shielding authority figures than addressing systemic issues or ensuring accountability.
FPG called on the unions to adopt a neutral stance and allow the allegations to be investigated without bias. FPG emphasizes that defending the Vice-Chancellor at this stage could undermine due process and send a troubling message about the unions’ priorities. Staff unions are expected to be advocates for transparency, and their involvement should focus on ensuring that the investigation is thorough, fair, and free from influence.
In the face of these serious allegations, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize accountability and the integrity of the institution. While it is important to avoid prematurely judging any individual, it is equally vital that the concerns raised are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
The unions’ decision to align with the Vice-Chancellor rather than demanding transparency and accountability has cast a shadow on their role within the institution. For many, this episode underscores the need for unions to reaffirm their commitment to fairness, neutrality, and the welfare of all members of the university community.
Signed
27.11.2024|Akin Akinsoluga
The decision of the staff unions at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) including the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), some rebel members of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to defend the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, against allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mismanagement has sparked widespread disappointment and concern. FPG including stakeholders within the academic community, have expressed dismay at what they perceive as a hasty and partial stance by the unions.
FPG argues that staff unions, traditionally regarded as champions of accountability and fairness, should prioritize transparency and impartiality in their responses to serious allegations. By outrightly defending the Vice-Chancellor without awaiting the conclusion of investigations, NASU, CONUA, and NAAT risk undermining their credibility and compromising their role as watchdogs of institutional integrity.
Sexual harassment and intimidation allegations, in particular, require sensitivity and a commitment to justice for all parties involved. The unions’ position, perceived by some as an attempt to trivialize these claims, has been labeled disheartening by those advocating for a fair and thorough investigation. It suggests a failure to adequately protect the interests of staff and students who may be affected by such allegations.
The unions’ public defense has reportedly left some university employees and stakeholders feeling unsupported and silenced. This could deter potential victims of harassment or misconduct from coming forward, fearing that their concerns may be dismissed or met with institutional resistance.
Furthermore, the unions’ stance may contribute to a growing perception that university leadership and its affiliated bodies are more concerned with shielding authority figures than addressing systemic issues or ensuring accountability.
FPG called on the unions to adopt a neutral stance and allow the allegations to be investigated without bias. FPG emphasizes that defending the Vice-Chancellor at this stage could undermine due process and send a troubling message about the unions’ priorities. Staff unions are expected to be advocates for transparency, and their involvement should focus on ensuring that the investigation is thorough, fair, and free from influence.
In the face of these serious allegations, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize accountability and the integrity of the institution. While it is important to avoid prematurely judging any individual, it is equally vital that the concerns raised are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
The unions’ decision to align with the Vice-Chancellor rather than demanding transparency and accountability has cast a shadow on their role within the institution. For many, this episode underscores the need for unions to reaffirm their commitment to fairness, neutrality, and the welfare of all members of the university community.
Signed
Secretary, FPG.
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