By Erestinah Jane | July 6, 2026
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has accused an acting university management of fostering a hostile working environment, undermining institutional governance and eroding academic freedom, warning that lecturers could withdraw their labour if the dispute is not resolved.
Speaking during a press briefing, union officials alleged that the institution’s acting leadership had compromised administrative operations by sidelining deans and directors, creating what they described as an atmosphere of intimidation and uncertainty.
“The acting management is systematically creating a hostile and toxic working environment for deans and directors, effectively crippling the daily governance and academic freedom of our institution,” the union said.
According to UASU, the alleged administrative practices have weakened decision-making structures and negatively affected staff morale, raising concerns over the institution’s ability to effectively discharge its academic and administrative responsibilities.
The union further claimed that senior academic leaders were increasingly being bypassed in key decisions, arguing that established governance structures were no longer being respected.
“We are seeing unprecedented levels of intimidation and micro-management where deans are bypassed and stripped of their decision-making powers,” union representatives said.
UASU also accused the acting management of disregarding established institutional procedures by making decisions without following the university’s governance framework.
“Decisions are being made through unilateral decrees rather than established senate and board procedures, turning our centers of excellence into dictated environments,” the officials stated.
The union maintained that acting administrators should not undertake sweeping structural changes, insisting that substantive appointments were necessary to restore confidence and stability within the institution.
“An acting management has no mandate to overhaul administrative structures. We demand the immediate substantive appointment of qualified heads to restore institutional stability,” the union said.
UASU warned that unless the alleged hostile working environment and administrative interference are addressed without delay, it would mobilize members to withdraw labor and suspend academic services across all campuses.
The threatened industrial action, if implemented, could disrupt teaching, research and other university operations, affecting thousands of students and staff.
The dispute comes amid growing concerns over governance in public universities, where staff unions have repeatedly raised issues relating to leadership, management practices and adherence to statutory governance procedures. UASU has consistently argued that stable leadership and respect for institutional governance structures are critical to safeguarding academic standards and ensuring the effective delivery of higher education.
As of the time of publication, the acting university management had not publicly responded to the allegations. The union’s claims have not been independently verified, and the management is expected to have an opportunity to respond to the accusations.
The unfolding standoff is likely to place additional pressure on education authorities to intervene and facilitate dialogue to avert a disruption of academic programmes while addressing concerns raised by university staff.
