By Hashim Suleiman

The gullibility of Nigerians has left some of us with no option but to continue to utilize every opportunity to create awareness about certain things and how they work; every opportunity to keep shining light in the dark. Some privileged people in this country use the opportunity they have to hoodwink the society into rejecting our best on the basis of politics, bigotry and sentiments. This cannot continue and some of us will continue to question some of these pronouncements and decisions that have the coloration of a ‘Pull Him Down’ syndrome.

Earlier today, I read an opinion on Facebook where the writer wondered why Prof Dora Akunyili of blessed memory was awarded professorship while at the helm of NAFDAC and that elicited so much praises and applause but Prof Pantami’s must be criticized and condemned. Is it connected to Pantami’s creed, one would only wonder. Pantami just like Akunyili ascended his political position with a legitimate PhD as well as experience from lecturing. If all of the reforms he has brought and which have been culminated into a book by the cerebral PRNigeria center is not enough to award a Dr. and a proven lecturer professorship, what could ever be?

ASUU must be reminded that they are a voluntary organization and the last time I checked, the laws of the land do not grant ASUU any right to award academic qualifications to people. Like every group, they reserve the right to express their opinions on any national issue that interests them. Such opinions must however not only be intellectually sound, it must also be seen to be unbiased and neutral.

The Federal University, Owerri was established by law to deliberate on issues and legislate on them in accordance with the laws that established them and not the laws and opinions of some overrated characters in ASUU.

I am using this opportunity to urge Professor Pantami to keep his head up and remain proud of his well deserved award of professorship and if he deems fit he should sue ASUU for defaming him and maligning his integrity over a matter that doesnt concern them. Some or all the lecturers of FUTO may be members of ASUU but that must not take away their right to decide who to honour and celebrate.

This is a very good opportunity for FUTO to review its relationship with ASUU and decide between unionism or its independence.

We already have enough of today’s young people imbibing so much of the ‘Pull Him Down’ syndrome and we cannot allow ASUU and other unions to add to it.

Enough is enough.

May God bless Nigeria

Hashim Suleiman
[email protected]