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
