The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi branch, has issued a strong condemnation of recent comments made by former Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, and journalist Alhaji Ladan Salihu, labeling them as an affront to university autonomy and a threat to academics.

The controversy stems from a public hearing at the National Assembly regarding a bill seeking to change ATBU's mandate from a technology-based to a conventional university.

In a press release signed by Branch Chairperson Comrade Angulu Haruna, PhD, ASUU expressed shock at Yuguda's statements to the media, where he reportedly declared anyone opposing the bill a "criminal" and dismissed dissenting professors with the remark, "who the hell are Professors for goodness sake!".

The union described it as "appalling and unfortunate" for a former state chief executive to criminalize citizens for exercising their legitimate right to participate in a legislative process. ASUU further questioned Yuguda's competence and integrity as the Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), stating he displayed "total disregard" for the academic community he is entrusted to oversee.

The statement also challenged Yuguda's claimed role in establishing ATBU's College of Medical Sciences, asserting the college had commenced earlier and that his administration benefitted from the compensation paid when the state handed over a specialist hospital to the federal government.

Adding to the concern, ASUU highlighted a subsequent video message by former FRCN Director-General, Alhaji Ladan Salihu, who allegedly condemned ATBU and the National Universities Commission (NUC) for opposing the bill and labeled opponents as "the biggest enemies" of Bauchi State.

ASUU-ATBU finds it disturbing that these individuals would openly attack the university team for lawfully stating its position. The union has therefore called on the NUC Executive Secretary, the Minister of Education, the Bauchi State Governor, and President Bola Tinubu (as Visitor to the University) to note the threats and take action to protect the institution and its staff.

In a decisive demand, ASUU called on Malam Isa Yuguda to publicly withdraw his statements and resign from his position as Chairman of NOUN's Governing Council, stating, "You cannot preside over a system you hold with such disappointing contempt."

The union reaffirmed its commitment to championing university autonomy, global competitiveness, and the well-being of the nation's public university system.