The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto is concerned about the deliberate disregard for the universities miscellaneous Act and the autonomy of educational institutions, calling it a blatant disrespect for the Ivory Towers. The Universities association pointed out various ways in which the Federal Government has committed a violation of regulations, such as the sudden disbandment of University Governing Councils and the improper promotion of vacancies for Vice leadership positions.
Chancellors and other top university officials in federal universities in the country expressed concerns that this action could undermine the core values of transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in the selection process for university leadership positions. In a press release signed by both Prof Mohammed Nurudeen Almustapha, the chairman of ASUU branch at UDUS, and the Secretary, Shaibu Sadiku Adona, it was stated that the decision made by all Universities’ Governing Councils in June 2023 was resolved.
FG’s actions go against the ideals of the University Law.
Also, the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Universities Commission (NUC) is seen as a threat to the independence and standard procedures of these institutions. ASUU UDUS branch is concerned about the potential violation of the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1993 (as amended), as the official duties of the University Governing Council may have been transferred to the institution’s Visitor or the Minister of Education. This transfer of duties could jeopardize the integrity and academic freedom of Nigeria’s public universities.
As a result, there will be a call for reflection to prevent such flagrant violations. The University Law lays out specific guidelines for the structure, responsibilities, and termination processes of the University Governing Councils. It also outlines procedures for situations where the Council is not present, specifically in terms of selecting key leaders. The law does not authorize the Minister or Visitor to take over Council functions. The Federal Government’s actions go against the ideals of the University Law.
Gov’t should respect the autonomy and independence of universities.
These ideals include promoting of fairness, openness, and selecting university leadership based on qualifications and performance. The UDUS ASUU branch is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman and other key stakeholders to act quickly in reconstituting the Governing Councils of public universities. This is essential for ensuring alignment with the law and smooth operations. Additionally, they are calling on the Federal Government to respect the autonomy and independence of universities to protect their integrity.
It is also important for the government to investigate any violations of the law that may have occurred in recent actions taken by universities in the absence of the Governing Councils. UDUS ASUU reiterated the importance of safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of public universities for the enhancement of the country’s educational system and the prosperity of the nation, urging all individuals to come together in support of this cause. Established in 1978, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is an organization in Nigeria that represents university academic staff.
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Additionally, it was originally formed as a branch of the Nigerian Association of University Teachers (NAUT), which was created in 1965 with only five universities as members – University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ife, and University of Lagos. On May 30, 2021, Professor Victor Emmanuel Osodeke was elected as the president of the organization. Established in 1978, ASUU was created to represent the academic staff of both Federal and State universities in Nigeria, following in the footsteps of the Nigerian Association of University Teachers that was established in 1965.
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