ASUU Warns Of Threats To Nigeria’s Public University System, Criticizes Delayed Agreement And IMF/World Bank Influence
On Tuesday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) voiced concerns over attempts to undermine the nation’s public universities. Speaking at the 2024 ASUU Heroes Day in Abuja, ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, accused international financial organizations, specifically the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), of actively working to destabilize Nigeria’s public education system. He warned that these entities’ policies were fostering conditions that jeopardize the sustainability of accessible, quality education in Nigeria.
Central to ASUU’s grievances is the delay in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement, a comprehensive deal meant to address funding and working conditions in public universities. Despite numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the agreement remains unfulfilled, contributing to a decade-long impasse. Prof. Osodeke lamented that despite the government’s recent promises to replace the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in universities, its implementation has continued, creating tension within the sector. Additionally, ASUU members are still facing withheld salaries and unpaid allowances, exacerbating the financial strain on academic staff across the nation.
Osodeke also commended ASUU members for their unwavering dedication, courage, and sacrifices to protect the values of Nigeria’s public university education, describing this commitment as a tribute to both “past and living heroes” in the union’s history. In recognition of these contributions, ASUU has initiated a PhD grant program. Under this initiative, select ASUU members pursuing doctoral studies in public universities will receive N500,000 each, based on a competitive assessment of their research proposals. This program, Osodeke explained, is aimed at supporting the academic growth of members while reinforcing ASUU’s commitment to fostering higher education standards.
During his address, Osodeke highlighted the hardships ASUU members endure for defending the integrity of public university education. He underscored the union’s solidarity with members at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, who, he claimed, face “persecution for their principled support and solidarity” in ASUU’s campaign for quality education.
As part of the Heroes Day celebration, ASUU honored several past and current leaders who have significantly contributed to the advancement of education in Nigeria. The honorees included notable academics such as Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Prof. Oye Oyediran, and many others who have played vital roles in supporting ASUU’s objectives and defending public education in Nigeria.
ASUU’s Heroes Day celebration brought attention to the unresolved challenges within Nigeria’s educational system and underscored the union’s ongoing dedication to ensuring fair treatment, sustainable funding, and a high standard of education for Nigerian students. Osodeke’s address made clear ASUU’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s public university system, vowing that the union would not relent in its fight against policies threatening the nation’s educational future.
