By DAYO ADESULU
Abuja, Nigeria – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns about alleged efforts to undermine Nigeria’s public university system, accusing international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of intentionally working to weaken Nigeria’s public education. This announcement came during ASUU’s 2024 Heroes Day event in Abuja, where ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, also highlighted delays in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement, as well as the unresolved issue of unpaid salaries and allowances.
Claims of Sabotage and Delayed Agreement Renegotiation
Prof. Osodeke expressed frustration that, despite numerous Memoranda of Understanding and Action, the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement remains stalled in negotiations. The delay, he argued, has contributed to severe setbacks in Nigeria’s higher education sector, with efforts from institutions like the IMF and World Bank allegedly exacerbating the situation.
“Comrades, like in the past, this year’s celebration of our heroes also takes place as we continue the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the IMF, whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated,” Osodeke stated.
ASUU Criticizes IPPIS Policy Enforcement
ASUU has opposed the Federal Government’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which the union argues is inappropriate for the academic sector. Though the Federal Executive Council had announced plans to remove IPPIS from universities, Osodeke reported that it remains enforced, complicating ASUU’s efforts to protect the interests of university staff and students.
Unpaid Salaries and Financial Hardship
The ASUU president criticized the government for withholding three and a half months’ salaries, alongside arrears for promotions and Earned Academic Allowance, which remain outstanding for public university workers.
“It is most disheartening and egregious that despite the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement is yet to be renegotiated and finalised,” Osodeke stated, emphasizing that the delayed payments have compounded financial difficulties for ASUU members.
Support for State Universities Facing ‘Persecution’
At the state level, Osodeke voiced support for ASUU members at institutions such as Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. He noted that these members face punitive measures for advocating improved conditions and resources in their institutions.
ASUU’s PhD Grant Initiative for Members
In a positive development, ASUU announced it will offer PhD grants valued at N500,000 to select members across public universities. This initiative aims to support academic growth within Nigeria’s public university system, with recipients chosen based on rigorous proposal assessments.
Conclusion
ASUU’s Heroes Day was an opportunity for reflection on the union’s enduring commitment to preserving Nigeria’s public universities. Despite financial and administrative obstacles, Prof. Osodeke praised ASUU members’ resilience, calling for continuous support for public university reforms and opposing what he termed “anti-public education” influences from both local and international bodies.
