The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says the surest way to secure Nigeria’s future is through meaningful investment in education.
Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Akure Zone, stated this while briefing newsmen at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ASUU Secretariat, on Thursday in Ile-Ife.
Egbedokun expressed concern over the Federal Government’s inconsistent policies on the establishment of universities, noting that despite a seven-year moratorium on new licences, new universities were still being approved.
He said ASUU had consistently opposed the proliferation of universities at both federal and state levels, adding that government should instead strengthen existing institutions.
“The government must live up to its word. Most of these newly established universities lack the required facilities and qualified personnel,” he said.
According to him, only first-generation universities have adequate academic staff, good laboratories, standard lecture rooms and infrastructure, while newer institutions fall short of acceptable standards.
“It is unfortunate that some of these mushroom universities admit thousands of students into a few classrooms without proper facilities or offices for lecturers.
“If the Federal Government channels more resources into strengthening existing universities, there will be fewer crises and less need for complaints,” Egbedokun said.
He called on the government to address outstanding issues that led to ASUU’s recent two-week strike, which according to him, was suspended in the spirit of goodwill and solidarity from students, parents, labour unions and civil society groups.
The unresolved issues, he said, included the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of outstanding salary arrears, promotion arrears, and release of unremitted third-party deductions.
Other demands are an end to the victimisation of ASUU members at Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU) and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), as well as sustainable funding and revitalisation of the university system.
Egbedokun appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organisations to continue to support ASUU’s struggle for better education.
He warned that if government failed to address the issues within one month, the union might be forced to embark on an indefinite strike.
ASUU chairmen present at the briefing included Prof. Anthony Odiwe (OAU), Prof. Bamidele Mogaji (FUTA), Prof. Sola Afolayan (EKSU), Prof. Babatope Ogundare (BOUESTI), Dr. Abayomi Fagbuagun (UNIMED), Dr Abraham Oladebeye (FUOYE), and Dr Bosun Ajisafe (AFUED).
