In a powerful appeal to the Nigerian government, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for sincere, sustained investment in the nation’s educational sector, emphasising that this is the only viable path to safeguarding Nigeria’s future. The union warned that the unchecked proliferation of universities and inadequate funding threaten the quality of tertiary education, with long-term implications for the country’s socio-economic development.
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Government Policies Under Scrutiny
Speaking at a press briefing at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, ASUU’s Akure Zonal Coordinator, highlighted inconsistencies in government policies, particularly regarding the approval of new universities. Despite a government-imposed seven-year moratorium on new university licences, the union observed that approvals for additional institutions continue, often at the expense of existing universities’ quality.
“The government must honour its commitment. Many of these new universities lack the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel to deliver meaningful education,” Prof. Egbedokun said. According to him, only first-generation universities maintain adequate staff strength, functional laboratories, proper lecture halls, and other critical facilities. Meanwhile, the newer institutions fall short of these standards, enrolling thousands of students into inadequate classrooms with insufficient resources for lecturers.
ASUU insists that reinforcing current universities should be the priority, arguing that proper investment in existing institutions will reduce crises and complaints from students, staff, and parents alike.
Pending Agreements and Funding Challenges
The union also addressed unresolved issues that led to its recent two-week strike, which was suspended in recognition of public support and goodwill from students, labour unions, and civil society groups. Key concerns include the completion of negotiations on the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, outstanding salary and promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions.
Prof. Egbedokun noted that ASUU members at Lagos State University (LASU), Kebbi State University (KSU), and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) have faced alleged victimisation. He stressed that sustainable funding and revitalisation of the nation’s university system remain critical to improving education quality and protecting Nigeria’s future.
Call for Collective Support
ASUU appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society organisations to sustain their support in the union’s pursuit of a better educational environment. Prof. Egbedokun warned that if the government fails to address these issues within a month, ASUU may have no alternative but to embark on an indefinite strike, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
“The future of our country depends on how well we nurture our human capital today. Without genuine investment in education, Nigeria risks losing a generation of young talent,” he added.
Leadership and Advocacy
The briefing drew the presence of several ASUU chairpersons, including 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). Their participation reaffirmed the union’s collective commitment to advocating for systemic reforms, emphasising that protecting Nigeria’s education system is not just an institutional concern but a national priority.
With public sentiment backing their demands, ASUU continues to stress that meaningful investment, policy consistency, and infrastructure development are indispensable for fostering a thriving higher education sector that can drive Nigeria’s growth in the decades ahead.
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