ASUU Calls for Immediate Action on State University Crisis
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has made a strong appeal to the Federal Government to extend the existing seven-year moratorium on issuing licenses for new universities to include state governments. This urgent call aims to prevent what the union describes as the total collapse of state-owned higher institutions across Nigeria.
Professor Abdulkadir Mohammed, the ASUU Zonal Chairman for Kano Zone, delivered this message during a press conference held on Monday in Kano. He expressed deep concern about the continuous establishment of new universities that suffer from inadequate funding, particularly those under state government management.
Ultimatum and Government Response
The union has reminded the government of its unfulfilled promises and emphasized that it will not hesitate to take full-blown industrial action after the expiration of its one-month ultimatum. This warning comes despite the government's partial payments, including some promotion arrears and third-party deductions, which ASUU considers insufficient to address the core issues.
Professor Mohammed condemned what he characterized as government propaganda that misrepresents the actual status of ongoing negotiations. He criticized the persistent neglect of the education sector, warning that treating education as a commodity ultimately undermines national development and security.
The union recalled its two-week warning strike in October, which was suspended to allow for meaningful dialogue and to acknowledge the goodwill of students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National Assembly, and other concerned Nigerians.
Appeal to Stakeholders and Broader Implications
With the one-month ultimatum to the government approaching its end, ASUU has made a passionate appeal to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, trade unions, students, parents, and the general public to pressure the government into honoring its commitments. This collective effort seeks to prevent another total shutdown of public universities across the nation.
The union maintains hope for a quick and comprehensive resolution but insists it remains prepared to take decisive action if necessary. Key concerns include poor working conditions and the worsening brain drain in Nigerian universities, which continue to affect the quality of education.
In related developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), called for a sustainable and realistic funding model for Nigeria's university system. Speaking at the University of Ibadan's 77th Foundation Day ceremony, the President warned that national development goals would remain elusive unless tertiary institutions reposition themselves as hubs of innovation, knowledge creation, and national progress.
President Tinubu praised the University of Ibadan for maintaining its reputation as Nigeria's leading university and for its significant contributions to scholarship and national development. He described the institution's anniversary as a powerful milestone in its long history of excellence, growth, and transformation.
