The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed alarm regarding what it described as an ongoing agenda by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to undermine the stability of Nigeria’s public university system. As more Nigerians turn to Private Universities largely in response to ongoing issues affecting public schools, ASUU’s leadership claims that the two global financial institutions are intent on sabotaging and destroying public Higher Education across the country. Despite this, the union maintains its commitment to advocating for preserving public universities and protecting them from what it describes as the suffocating influence of these organisations.
This decision was expressed by the union President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, at the Heroes Day 2024-2025 event conducted at their national headquarters located on the University of Abuja’s main campus. The Heroes Day celebration recognises past and present individuals dedicated to improving the nation’s public Education system, especially at the higher education level. Osodeke remarked that although ASUU has actively campaigned for enhancements in the public university framework, it has frequently encountered opposition from outside financial bodies and the Federal Government.
Academic issues, including unpaid salaries, were discussed at the event.
Osodeke claims that the government has unfairly retained three and a half months’ worth of Salaries and owed payments concerning their members, including unpaid wages, promotions, and Earned Academic Allowances. He also voiced his frustration regarding the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) rollout in public universities, even after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently stated its intention to withdraw it from higher education institutions. The IPPIS was implemented to enhance the efficiency of payroll management across federal institutions, yet it has sparked controversy.
Furthermore, ASUU contends that it undermines universities’ independence and does not adequately address the unique payroll requirements of academic staff. He expressed concern over the various agreements between the union and the Federal Government. He pointed out that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs) were established to tackle their requests; however, the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement, intended to be finalised twelve years ago, remains unnegotiated. The union members face unfulfilled expectations and ongoing challenges despite four Negotiation attempts. The delay has led to deteriorating conditions in public institutions, affecting both students and faculty members.
University union pledges commitment despite ongoing challenges.
At the state level, ASUU members are also encountering difficulties, especially those associated with universities like Lagos State University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Kogi State University, Ebonyi State University, and Kogi State University. Osodeke claimed that certain state governments are punishing their members for defending university staff’s rights and pushing for necessary changes in the system. He emphasised the union’s dedication to protecting the Welfare of public university staff and advocating for the country’s public higher education framework, urging members to continue their fight for an improved and effective Tertiary Education system.
Meanwhile, they also announced a series of PhD grants awarded to select members across various public universities to encourage academic research and development within its ranks. The grants, valued at #500,000 each, were granted based on a thorough assessment of research proposals, allowing ASUU to contribute towards enhancing research output among university faculty. Osodeke states that this action reflects their continuous dedication to supporting the advancement and development of higher education. The Heroes Day celebration reflected the academic union’s successes while recognising its challenges. Among those honoured were Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Mallam Bashir Kurfi, Prof. The Name Ikiddeh, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, Prof. Sola Olukunle.
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They emphasised that its efforts remain significant in the ongoing fight to enhance and protect public tertiary education. The union’s apprehensions about the role of global entities such as the IMF and World Bank in shaping the public education system reflect a wider concern about the limitations faced by public institutions. Corruption, insufficient funding, political interference, and poor service delivery are prevalent in various public service sectors, compromising their effectiveness and reducing public confidence. Lastly, many government institutions lack the capacity and resources to effectively fulfil their mandates, which affects service delivery and contributes to public dissatisfaction.