The recent publication by Daily Trust titled “FG–ASUU Agreement: Breakdown of New Salary Structure for Academic Staff” represents yet another unfortunate attempt to malign the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The report, which claims to unveil details of a supposed new salary structure, is not only misleading but also wholly irresponsible, given the sensitive nature of the figures it boldly presented without credible sources or official confirmation.
For a newspaper that commands
national readership, Daily Trust ought to understand the weight of its words
and the implications of circulating unverified information, especially on
issues as delicate as the remuneration of university academics. Instead, the
paper elected to publish specific monetary figures that it attributed to
unnamed “sources” a practice that violates the most basic principles of ethical
journalism.
At no point did Daily Trust
provide verifiable documentation or official statements from either ASUU or the
Federal Government to support the salary breakdown it published. The absence of
evidence suggests that the newspaper was more interested in sensationalism than
truth.
This pattern is not new. The
paper has repeatedly fixated on ASUU, often casting the union in a negative
light even when no such provocation exists. Publishing private and unverified
salary information while ignoring similar data for countless other public
institutions exposes a troubling bias and raises legitimate questions about
motives.
Nigeria is grappling with severe
insecurity: kidnappings, banditry, targeted attacks, and the deliberate
singling out of professionals deemed “well-paid.” By publishing alleged salary
figures of ASUU members, Daily Trust has put the lives of academics across the
country at grave risk.
No responsible media organization
releases sensitive remuneration data especially without verification knowing
fully well how such information can be weaponized by criminal elements.
It is therefore deeply concerning
that Daily Trust chose to publicize such details, despite never publishing
salary structures of any other sector or union with similar zeal. This
selective exposure is not only unethical but dangerous.
Given the gravity of this
misconduct, Daily Trust must immediately retract the publication, issue a
public apology to ASUU and its members, and commit to upholding the ethics of
journalism going forward. Rectifying misinformation is the minimum expected of
a media outlet that claims to defend public interest.
For the records, ASUU remains
committed to advocating for quality education and the welfare of Nigerian
universities. It should not be subjected to character assassination by a
newspaper that appears more interested in controversy than accuracy. Hence, the
lives and safety of academics should never be collateral damage in the race for
headlines.
Patriotic journalism builds the nation while
reckless reporting destabilizes it.
Nuraddeen Danjuma
Bayero University, Kano
04/12/2025
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