Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to make genuine, sustained investment in the education sector, insisting it remains the most reliable path to securing Nigeria’s future.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the ASUU Secretariat of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, the union’s Akure Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, criticised what he described as the government’s policy inconsistencies—especially regarding the establishment of new universities.
Egbedokun noted that despite a government-imposed seven-year moratorium on new university licences, approvals for more institutions have continued. He said ASUU has repeatedly opposed the unchecked spread of universities at federal and state levels, arguing that strengthening existing institutions should be the priority.
“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 the first-generation universities currently operate with adequate staff strength, standard laboratories, proper lecture halls and the level of infrastructure required for quality education. Many of the newer institutions, he warned, are far below acceptable academic 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,” he added.
“If the Federal Government channels more resources into strengthening existing universities, there will be fewer crises and less need for complaints.”
Egbedokun also urged the government to address the lingering issues that triggered ASUU’s recent two-week strike—suspended, he said, out of goodwill and solidarity from students, parents, labour unions and civil society groups.
Outstanding matters include the completion of negotiations on the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, unpaid salary and promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions. Other concerns are the alleged victimisation of ASUU members at LASU, KSU and FUTO, as well as the need for sustainable funding and revitalisation of the nation’s university system.
He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organisations to maintain their support for ASUU’s quest for a better educational environment.
Egbedokun warned that if the government fails to resolve the issues within a month, the union may have no choice but 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).
