The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised the specter of a nationwide strike in response to the Federal Government’s delays in appointing governing councils for federal universities, sparking concerns over the neglect of academic affairs within Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
Speaking passionately at a press conference held at the ASUU national secretariat in Abuja, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, articulated the union’s frustrations and discontent with the current state of affairs.
The crux of ASUU’s grievances centers on what they perceive as the Federal Government’s lackadaisical approach under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu towards critical academic matters affecting Federal Universities.
The absence of governing councils, essential bodies responsible for crucial decision-making and oversight, has left universities without the necessary governance structure to function effectively.
In addition to the issue of Governing Councils, ASUU has voiced objections to recent government decisions, including salary increments of 35% for professors and 25% for other academics within the university system.
The union fears that these increases, susceptible to government withdrawal at will, undermine the stability and welfare of university staff.
Addressing reporters at the ongoing press briefing at the University of Abuja, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke underscored that ASUU had allowed ample time for the Tinubu-led government to address these critical concerns affecting the educational sector.
ASUU expressed profound concerns over the abrupt dissolution of Governing Councils for federally owned universities, condemning the action as unlawful and antithetical to established university governance principles. The absence of these councils disrupts the university’s operational framework and impedes crucial decision-making processes.
The union has called on the government to prioritize the appointment of Governing Councils and engage constructively with ASUU to address broader systemic challenges facing the university sector.
