The Union of Academic Staff of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarms regarding employees’ increasing struggles in Nigeria’s public universities. While the country celebrated its 64th year of independence, the University of Ibadan branch of the union emphasised the worsening situation affecting the academic system, urging the government to take immediate action. Professor Ayoola Akinwole, head of the University of Ibadan’s ASUU chapter, appealed in a statement titled “Nigeria at 64: A State in Need of Deliverance from The Leadership of Perpetual Have-Nots.” He stressed that the difficulties faced by university employees have escalated to an unbearable level, resulting in many lecturers either emigrating or facing severe financial pressures.
For those still in the region, the circumstances have forced them into financial struggles, prompting others to leave public service jobs in pursuit of opportunities in the private industry. The federal government has remained unresponsive to the ongoing discussions initiated by ASUU regarding these matters. Although the union has delivered multiple ultimatums, including a 14-day notice, they believe the government has failed to demonstrate the necessary dedication to address the ongoing issues within the academic system. Professor Akinwole emphasised that the current request is nearing its deadline, and if the government fails to meet its requirements, the tranquillity in public institutions might not last.
Prof. Akinwole stressed that leaders have ignored academic priorities.
Furthermore, ASUU indicates that the challenges facing schools reflect the broader issues within the country. Professor Akinwole emphasised that leaders at local, state, and federal levels have repeatedly neglected to prioritise academics, which is crucial for the nation’s growth. He lamented that for more than sixty years following the nation’s independence, there has been a deterioration in its academic framework and general administration standard, blaming these issues on the inadequate quality of the politicians managing the nation’s governance. ASUU is convinced that the government’s negligence towards academics is the fundamental issue.
A lack of essential resources, insufficient support for lecturers, and an unsatisfactory working environment hinder the school system’s ability to contribute to the country’s progress. The union calls on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise academics, allocate needed funds to revitalise the sector and tackle the nation’s economic difficulties. He further emphasised that the challenging economic conditions faced by school staff represent merely one aspect of broader societal struggles. He cautioned that the rising levels of Poverty and disparity might result in significant Insecurity without prompt government intervention.
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Additionally, the divide between the rich and the underprivileged is expanding, eliminating the middle class. Government economic strategies have worsened the circumstances, causing widespread hardship while the political elite thrive in dubious affluence. ASUU is especially troubled by the government’s choices regarding financial allocations. During this economic crisis, funds are directed toward unnecessary expenses, like acquiring a new presidential aircraft and high-end cars, such as a Cadillac Escalade for the president. In contrast, public universities and other crucial areas of the Economy continue to lack adequate funding.
Moreover, diverting just a small portion of the money used for these high-end goods could address many challenges within the academic system, laying the foundation for economic advancement at the national level. They argue that the government’s slow response to these critical challenges jeopardises the nation’s future. Present circumstances have prompted several skilled professionals to migrate, undermining the academic system. Those who continue to work face financial difficulties, affecting the standard of Education available to learners.
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However, ASUU has called on President Tinubu to move past claims that the country cannot provide for its citizens, especially in education. The union demands that the administration implement concrete measures to resolve the issues faced by school staff and protect the nation’s future. Immediate action to enhance institutional funding, better Salaries for faculty, and a solution to the ongoing economic crisis are crucial for stopping further deterioration. The union is optimistic that the government will meet these challenges, allowing institutions to contribute to creating a thriving and safe future for every citizen.