Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman AbdulKareem, has said he has no regret allowing the university academic staff to rejoin the main stream Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Speaking on Monday at a press conference on the 36th Convocation of the University, Abdulkareem explained that the consequences of the refusal of the institution’s branch of ASUU to join mainstream ASUU for 19 years (2000 and 2019) were unimaginable.
He added that during those years the university became a pariah in the comity of universities, hinting that a lot of lives were in the process imperiled and put in danger.
He said that during the period, students that finished from the University of Ilorin were discriminated against by employers while lecturers were not offered places in some institutions for sabbatical leave.
Abdulkareem said,
“I will not regret until I go to my grave making peace among people.”
“Over those 19 years that UNILORIN did not join mainstream ASUU, if you know the number of lives that was imperiled or put in danger you will feel sorry for this university.”
He explained all that he faced as the VC during that period
“I remember when I first became VC, there was an occasion where somebody called me from University of Ibadan and said he was going to be lynched. It got to a point where our students were even being victimised, when they went for either training or industrial attachment. The truth of the matter is that UNILORIN was paying a huge price for not joining ASUU.”
“The first five months of my tenure I saw hell, because ASUU had the power to delay our earned allowance. I was involved in an air storm in aircraft, I almost lost my life twice because I was pursing payment of our earned allowance. Every door I opened in Abuja did not get any support, instead, they were abusing me to go and join ASUU.”
Let me tell you the reality, just two weeks ago, I was informed by National Universities Commission and the unions, that the money I went to defend – over N700 million – was fought for by unions
Stories You Shouldn't Have Missed:
- Brilliant African Woman Wins UK Chevening Scholarship, Celebrates Her Achievements
- “Dad Stopped His Building Project to Pay My School Fees” – Lady Shares Story As She Sent Him Her First Salary Earn
- From Actor to Law Graduate: Van Vicker Earns First-Class LLB Degree
- “Its Special to me” – Rashford Reacts For Being The Youngest Person To Get Honourary Degree From Manchester University
- Two Nigerian professors listed among world’s top scientists
- Nigerian Father Overwhelmed With Tears As Daughter Graduates from University
- Unemployment Drove Me into Selling Zobo with my mother, Nigerian Graduate Opens up
Join Our 500,000+ Community:
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.